mwE 


TWELFTH 


WEBSTER 


REGIMENT. 


HISTORY 


TWELFTH  MASSACHUSETTS  VOLUNTEERS 


(WEBSTER   REGIMENT} 


BY 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   BENJAMIN   F.   COOK 


PUBLISHED   BY  THE 

TWELFTH    (WEBSTER)   REGIMENT   ASSOCIATION 
BOSTON:  1882 


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5 


Cto 


, '      e"  *     ,*,  •  •  •     •  •         T 


PBEFACE. 


A  T  the  annual  re-union  of  the  survivors  of  the  Twelfth  (Web- 
'"•  ster)  Regiment  in  August,  1879,  it  was  voted  to  have  a  full 
and  complete  history  of  the  regiment  written.  To  that  end  an 
Historical  Committee  was  chosen,  consisting  of  five  members  of 
the  Association  ;  and  the  duty  of  selecting  an  historian  was  dele 
gated  to  it.  Subsequently  the  committee  made  choice  of  the 
undersigned.  For  the  honor  conferred  upon  me  I  heartily  thank 
my  comrades,  although  I  think  that  their  choice  might  have  been 
better  placed.  There  are  many  in  the  regiment  more  competent 
to  perform  the  duty  than  myself;  yet  I  can  say,  however,  that 
I  believe  there  is  no  one  more  earnestly  desirous  that  the  story 
of  the  great  trials,  hardships,  and  almost  unexampled  heroism 
of  those  three  eventful  years  from  1861  to  '64  shall  be  told  to  the 
public  of  to-day  and  succeeding  generations.  Neither  is  there 
one  more  anxious  that  justice  be  done  to  each  and  every  member 
of  the  regiment. 

In  commencing  my  work,  I  issued  a  circular,  asking  the  assist 
ance  of  comrades,  and  also  calling  for  diaries,  memoranda,  and 
material  of  any  kind,  from  which  to  construct  my  story.  To  all 
who  responded  to  these  circulars,  or  who  have  in  any  manner 
rendered  me  assistance,  I  take  this  opportunity  to  express  my 
hearty  thanks.  To  comrades  George  Kimball,  Charles  C.  Wehrum, 
George  E.  Muzzey,  Joseph  W.  Thayer,  Charles  W.  Hastings, 
George  W.  French,  and  others,  who  have  assisted  me,  including 

M123186 


PREFACE. 


my  wife,  who  has  aided  me  in  collecting  data,  as  well  as  serving 
as  amanuensis,  I  feel  especially  grateful. 

The  map  showing  the  marches  of  the  regiment,  appearing  in 
the  history,  was  drawn  by  a  comrade  who  refuses  to  have  his 
name  used,  from  a  map  issued  1)3'  the  government  war-office  ;  and 
it  is  believed  to  be  substantially  correct.  He  was  much  assisted, 
also,  by  a  map  showing  the  route  of  the  wagon-trains,  in  the 
possession  of  Quartermaster  George  E.  Muzzey. 

That  the  work  is  deficient  in  many  respects  I  am  fully  aware, 
but  I  have  the  assurance  of  knowing  that  I  have  performed  my 
duty  as  well  as  I  could.  The  reasons  for  any  deficiencies  that 
ma}'  appear  will  be  apparent  to  all  upon  reflection,  and  it  is  un 
necessary  for  me  to  enumerate  them.  I  have  endeavored  to  make 
the  work  impartial,  and  to  abstain  as  much  as  possible  from 
rendering  praise  in  special  cases.  There  is  no  need  of  praise 
from  your  historian.  Your  record  as  soldiers  does  not  require 
it ;  and  no  language,  however  emphatic,  can  give  an  adequate  idea 
of  your  sacrifices,  your  unselfish  devotion,  and  the  suffering  and 
hardship  attending  your  service. 

My  original  plan  was,  to  have  prepared  a  full  and  correct 
roster  of  the  regiment,  showing  who  were  killed  and  wounded, 
and  other  facts  of  interest :  but  company  descriptive-books  and 
muster-out  rolls  could  not  be  obtained,  and  no  persons  were  found 
who  could  supply  such  facts  from  memory  ;  therefore  the  work 
had  to  be  abandoned.  A  partial  or  an  incorrect  list  would  be 
worse  than  none. 

It  may  appear  that  some  companies  have  received  undue 
attention,  being  more  frequently  mentioned  than  others ;  but, 
if  such  is  the  case,  it  is  because  they  have  furnished  me  with 
more  material.  It  certainly  is  not  the  result  of  preference.  The 
men  of  Company  II  responded  well  to  the  call  for  data,  five  of 
them  sending  matter  which  has  been  of  great  assistance.  The 
diary  of  Thaddeus  Keith  of  Company  F  (killed  at  the  battle  of 
the  Wilderness) ,  forwarded  to  me  by  his  brother,  has  been  a  great 


PREFACE. 

help.      There  were  two  responses  to  the  circular  from  Company 
K,  and  one  each  from  Companies  A  and  I. 

The  reader  will  please  bear  in  mind  that  this  little  volume  is  not 
a  history  of  the  war,  but  the  story  of  our  campaigns.  I  have  all 
the  way  through  striven  to  avoid  as  much  as  possible  irrelevant 
matters,  believing  that  what  was  desired  was  a  plain  and  true 
account  of  the  movements  and  experiences  of  the  Twelfth 
Regiment. 

And  now,  resting  in  the  hope  that  those  most  interested  will 
approve  m}T  work,  I  present  to  the  surviving  members  of  the 
old  Twelfth  (Webster)  Regiment  this  history  of  their  service  in 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

BEXJAMIN    F.    COOK, 
Late  Lieut.-Col.  12th  Regiment,  Mass.  Vol.  Infantry. 

\ 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PAGE 

How  THE  REGIMENT  CAME  INTO  EXISTENCE       .       .       .       .•  9 

CHAPTER  II. 
MUSTER  IN.  —  OFF  FOB  THE  FRONT 15 

CHAPTER  III. 
THE  FIRST  YEAR'S  DUTY       .......  25 

CHAPTER  IV. 
UNDER  POPE.  —  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN  TO  CHANTILLY   .       .       .       .56 

CHAPTER  V. 
UNDER  MCCLELLAN.  —  SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  AND  ANTIETAM      .        .      66 

CHAPTER  VI. 
UNDER  BURNSIDE.  —  FREDERICKSBURG 78 

CHAPTER  VH. 
UNDER  HOOKER.  —  CHANCELLORSVILLE 89 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
UNDER  MEADE.  —  GETTYSBURG 100 

CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  FALL  OF  1863.  —  MINE  RUN  . 107 

CHAPTER  X. 
THE  LAST  WINTER  .        .        .....  122 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

PACK 

UNDER  GRANT.  —  THE  LAST  CAMPAIGN      ......  125 

CHAPTER  XII. 

HOMEWARD  BOUND.  —  MUSTER  OUT      . 139 

ROSTER  OF  THE  OFFICERS 149 

APPENDIX               159 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


MAP  OF  COUNTRY,  SHOWING  MARCHES,  ETC.  .  Pocket  inside  of  cover. 
PORTRAIT  OF  COL.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER  ....  Frontispiece. 
CANTONMENT  HICKS  .  .  .  .  .  •  •  °PP-  P-  34. 
PORTRAIT  OF  COL.  JAMES  L.  BATES Opp.  p.  74. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


CHAPTER    I. 

HOW  THE  RE(HMENT  CAME  INTO  EXISTENCE, 

1861.  OUMTER  had  been  fired  on;  the  Sixth  Massachusetts 
^  Regiment  had  been  attacked  while  passing  ' '  through 
Baltimore;"  men  were  anxiously  inquiring,  "What 
next?"  an  appeal  had  been  made  to  the  people  of 
the  Commonwealth  for  extra  troops ;  when,  on  Saturday, 

April  20.  April  20,  1861,  the  following  notice  was  issued  by  the 
surveyor  of  the  port  of  Boston :  — 

FELLOW-CITIZENS,  —  I  have  been  assured  by  the  Executive 
Department,  that  the  State  will  accept  at  once  an  additional 
regiment  of  infantry.  I  therefore  propose  to  meet  to-morrow, 
at  ten  o'clock,  in  front  of  Merchants'  Exchange,  State  Street, 
such  of  my  fellow-citizens  as  will  join  in  raising  this  new  regi 
ment.  The  muster-roll  will  be  ready  to  be  signed  then  and 
there. 

Respectfully, 

FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 

April  21.  "  To-morrow,  at  ten  o'clock,"  so  great  was  the  crowd 
on  State  Street,  that  —  the  front  of  the  Merchants'  Ex 
change  being  illy  adapted  for  effective  speaking  —  an 
adjournment  was  made  to  the  Old  State  House  ;  and  from 
the  balcony  on  the  east  end  Mr.  Webster  and  others 
addressed  the  multitude.  A  morning  paper  described  the 
meeting  thus  :  — 


10  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1861.  "  The  enthusiasm,  both  of  the  young  and  old,  seemed  raised 
to  the  highest  pitch;  and  the  patriotic  spirit  of  '76  appeared 
fully  awakened.  Mr.  Webster's  remarks  were  patriotic  in 
the  extreme.  He  could,  he  said,  see  no  better  use  to  which  the 
sabbath  could  be  put,  than  to  improve  it  by  showing  our  grati 
tude  to  Divine  Providence  for  bestowing  upon  us  the  best  gov 
ernment  in  the  world,  and  to  pledge  ourselves  to  stand  by  and 
defend  it.  He  then  read  General  Order  No.  6,  calling  for  vol 
unteers,  and  said,  that,  in  consequence  of  that  order,  he  offered 
to  join  his  fellow-citizens  anywhere  in  serving  their  country. 
4  Time  presses  !  the  enemy  are  now  approaching  the  Capitol  of 
the  nation:  it  may  already  be  in  their  hands.  Promptness  is 
needed.  Let  us  show  the  world  that  the  patriotism  of  '61  is 
not  less  than  the  patriotism  of  '76;  that  the  noble  impulses 
of  their  patriotic  hearts  have  descended  to  us.'  He  then  an 
nounced  that  all  who  desired  to  enlist  could  do  so  by  placing 
their  names  on  the  papers  at  the  surveyor's  office  at  the  Custom 
House.  Mr.  Webster's  remarks  were  received  with  the  greatest 
enthusiasm.  The  meeting  was  addressed  by  many  other  gentle 
men,  including  William  Dehon,  Esq.,  Hon.  Charles  Levi  Wood- 
bury,  Edward  Riddle,  Esq.,  and  others.  Mr.  Dehon  said  he 
was  ready,  as  one  of  a  committee  of  one  hundred  citizens,  to 
join  in  raising  money  to  equip  a  regiment  of  ten  companies." 

At  nine  o'clock  on  Monday  morning,  Mr.  Nathaniel  B. 
Shurtleff,  jun. ,  —  who  had  previously  tendered  his  services 
to  Mr.  Webster,  —  opened  enlistment  papers  at  the  Mer 
chants'  Exchange.  Others  assisted  in  the  work,  and  in 
less  than  three  days  sixteen  full  companies  were  ready  for 
organization.  What  became  of  eleven  of  these  companies 
is  not  known,  but  doubtless  they  were  swallowed  up  by 
other  organizations  in  the  hurry  and  confusion  then  every 
where  prevailing  among  those  engaged  in  organizing 
troops. 

May7  On   May    7   the   regiment   was   armed,  officered,  uni 

formed,  and  in  camp  under  the  title  of  "The  Webster 
Regiment,"  by  which  name  it  ever  will  be  remembered. 

In  behalf  of  the  friends  of  the  regiment,  a  committee 
had  been  organized,  consisting  of  Messrs.  William  Dehon, 
Peter  Butler,  Henry  L.  Ilallett,  George  Eaton,  and  R.  B. 
Bradford,  which  was  known  as  the  Webster  Committee. 
Over  fourteen  thousand  dollars  had  been  contributed  ;  and 


HOW   THE  REGIMENT  CAME  INTO   EXISTENCE.      11 

1861.  these  gentlemen  assumed  entire  charge  of  the  expenses  of 
the  regiment,  making  themselves  responsible  for  the  sum 
of  seventy  thousand  dollars. 

Too  much  cannot  be  said  in  praise  of  the  Webster 
Committee  ;  for,  owing  to  their  liberality  and  personal 
exertions,  the  Webster  Regiment  was  the  best-equipped 
organization  that  ever  left  Massachusetts. 

In  its  early  days  the  regiment  was  temporarily  lodged 
and  drilled  in  Faneuil  Hall,  a  building  on  Clinton  Street, 
and  a  hall  on  Summer  Street ;  but  the  first  week  in  May 
found  it  stationed  at  Fort  Warren,  in  accordance  with 
Special  Order  No.  144,  issued  April  29.  Before  the  regi 
ment  was  sent  to  Fort  Warren,  the  Webster  Committee, 
not  finding  the  accommodations  suitable,  employed  men 
to  clean  the  barracks  and  make  the  place  habitable.  On 
reaching  the  fort,  the  field  and  staff  were  elected  by  the 
company  officers,  in  conformity  with  the  custom  of  Massa 
chusetts. 

Colonel. — Fletcher  Webster,  commissioned  May  4. 
Lieutenant- Colonel.  —  Timothy  M.  Bryan,  jim.,  commissioned 
May  4. 

Major.  —  Elisha  M.  Burbank,  commissioned  May  9. 

A  correspondent  of  "The  Cape  Ann  Advertiser,"  a 
member  of  Company  K,  writing  of  the  regiment  at  this 
time,  sa3rs,  — 

"  Our  men  are  full  of  patriotic  ardor;  and  all  they  ask  is,  to 
be  sure  that  their  families  will  be  taken  care  of.  We  have 
enlisted  for  the  war,  be  it  longer  or  shorter." 

May  is.  On  May  18  the  regiment  was  drawn  up  on  the  parade- 
ground  to  salute  the  steamer  "  Cambridge,"  as  she  passed 
with  a  load  of  soldiers  and  supplies  for  Fortress  Monroe, 
the  boat  acknowledging  by  dipping  her  flags  as  she  passed 
Fort  Warren. 

May  19.  At  the  sabbath  services  on  May  19,  Rev.  Mr.  Hep- 
worth  offered  prayer;  and  Rev.  Mr.  Fitzgerald,  acting 
regimental  chaplain,  delivered  an  address ;  the  services 
closing  by  all  joining  in  singing  "America."  A  pho 
tograph  of  the  regiment  was  then  taken.  At  four  P.M. 


12  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1861.     regimental  dress-parade  elicited  the  applause  of  all  pres 
ent. 
May  21.         On  May  21  Col.  Webster  received  orders  to  recruit  his 

regiment  to  the  maximum. 

May  24.  During  the  night  of  Friday,  May  24,  an  alarm  was 
sounded  for  the  purpose  of  testing  the  promptness  and 
efficiency  of  the  regiment.  In  less  than  three  minutes  the 
regiment  was  on  the  parade-ground  in  line  of  battle  and 
ready  for  duty. 

May  25.  On  Saturday,  May  25,  the  governor  and  members  of 
the  Legislature  visited  the  regiment,  Gov.  Andrew  making 
an  eloquent  speech.  On  the  same  day  the  Second  Battal 
ion  left  Fort  Warren,  escorted  to  the  wharf  by  the  regi 
ment,  and  to  the  State  House  by  Companies  A  and  E. 
May  26.  Sunday,  May  26,  was  marked  by  a  visit  from  Mayor 
Wightman  of  Boston,  and  members  of  the  city  govern 
ment,  accompanied  by  Gen.  B.  F.  Edmands. 
May 27.  On  Monday  the  steamer  "Massachusetts"  passed, 
carrying  troops  for  Fort  Pickens,  and  received  the  cus 
tomary  salute. 

May  so.  Thursday,  May  30,  was  noted  by  a  singular  incident. 
An  officer  of  one  of  the  companies — having  uttered 
traitorous  sentiments,  and  rejoiced  over  the  death  of  Col. 
Ellsworth  —  was  cashiered,  and  marched  out  of  the  fort 
to  the  melody  of  "  The  Rogue's  March." 

June  7.  On  Friday,  June  7,  the  Eleventh  Regiment  left  Fort 
Warren.  Their  last  night  in  the  fort  was  marked  by  a 
very  fraternal  re-union,  the  exercises  closing  by  all  joining 
in  singing  "AuldLang  Syne."  The  Eleventh  was  es 
corted  to  the  city  by  Companies  A  and  B  of  the  Twelfth, 
under  command  of  Capt.  Murch. 

June  u.  By  request  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  on  Friday,  June 
14,  the  Twelfth  Regiment  was  accepted  as  part  of  the 
Massachusetts  quota. 

On  the  following  Monday,  Col.  Webster  attended  a  flag- 
raising  at  Bunker  Hill,  by  invitation  of  Gov.  Andrew  ; 
and,  when  called  on  by  the  governor,  Col.  Webster  made 
a  speech  which  the  papers  at  the  time  styled  "  brief  and 
appropriate."  It  was  his  last  public  utterance  in  Massa 
chusetts. 


HOW   THE  REGIMENT  CAME  INTO   EXISTENCE.      13 

1861.  «  jjig  father,  he  said,  had  made  the  oration  when  the  corner 
stone  of  the  monument  was  laid,  and  again  when  the  monu 
ment  was  completed.  He  well  remembered  the  preliminary 
meetings  of  the  committee  selected  to  decide  upon  the  size, 
character,  design,  and  site  of  the  monument.  He  could  re 
member  the  appearance  of  most  of  them,  as  their  meetings 
were  frequently  held  at  his  father's  house. 

"  '  As  a  boy,  I  was  present  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone 
of  this  great  obelisk,  under  whose  shadow  we  now  are.  Lafay 
ette  laid  the  stone  with  appropriate  and  imposing  Masonic  cere 
monies.  The  vast  procession,  impatient  of  unavoidable  delay, 
broke  the  line  of  march,  and  in  a  tumultuous  crowd  rushed 
toward  the  orator's  platform;  and  I  was  saved  from  being 
trampled  under  foot  by  the  strong  arm  of  Mr.  George  Sullivan, 
who  lifted  me  on  his  shoulders,  shouting,  "  Don't  kill  the 
orator's  son!  "  and  bore  me  through  the  crowd,  and  placed  me 
on  the  staging  at  my  father's  feet.  I  felt  somewhat  embar 
rassed  at  that  notice,  as  I  do  now  at  this  unforeseen  notice  by 
his  Excellency;  but  I  had  no  occasion  to  make  an  acknowledg 
ment  of  it.'  He  had  also  witnessed  the  ceremonies  at  its  com 
pletion.  '  Many  distinguished  persons  from  all  parts  of  our 
country  were  present,  some  of  whom,  I  regret  to  say,  would 
hardly  like  now  to  renew  that  visit  or  recall  that  scene.  Within 
a  few  days  after  this,  I  left  the  country  and  sailed  for  China  ; 
and,  while  light  and  eyesight  lasted,  I  watched  its  lofty  summit 
as  it  faded  from  view.  I  now  stand  again  at  its  base,  and 
renew  the  vows  once  more  on  its  national  altar,  —  not  for  the 
first  time  made,  — of  devotion  to  my  country,  its  Constitution 
and  Union.  From  this  spot  I  take  my  departure,  like  the 
mariner  commencing  his  voyage;  and,  wherever  my  eyes  close, 
they  will  turn  hitherward,  towards  this  North;  and,  in  whatever 
event,  grateful  will  be  the  reflection  that  this  monument  still 
stands,  —  still  is  gilded  by  the  earliest  beams  of  the  rising  sun, 
and  that  still  departing  day  lingers  and  plays  upon  its  sum 
mit.'" 


Gen.  Schouler,  in  his  "  History  of  Massachusetts  dur 
ing  the  Rebellion,"  says,  — 

"No  man  who  ever  knew  Col.  Webster  could  read  these 
words  uttered  by  him,  on  this  occasion,  without  remembering 
many  pleasant  incidents  connected  with  him." 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1861.  Drills  and  dress-parades  marked  the  time  till  the  close 
of  the  month,  interspersed  with  mock  parades  led  by 
Townley  of  Company  A,  as  lieutenant-colonel,  and  David 
son  of  Companj'  B,  as  adjutant,  both  of  whom  were  un 
rivalled  in  their  "  counterfeit  presentment." 

Choice  music  in  abundance,  both  instrumental  and 
vocal ;  frolic  and  games  of  all  kinds,  in  the  quarters  and 
on  the  parade-ground  ;  watching  the  shipping  from  the 
ramparts  as  it  entered  and  left  the  harbor  ;  fraternizations 
with  the  Second  Battalion  of  Infantry,  the  Fourteenth 
and  Eleventh  Regiments ;  receiving  and  entertaining 
friends  and  distinguished  visitors  ;  frequent  visits  to  the 
city ;  with  plenty  of  food,  of  good  quality,  furnished  by 
Caterer  J.  B.  Smith,  —  all  served  to  make  the  time  pass 
very  pleasantly. 

But  one  thing  was  desired  :  officers  and  men  were  im- 
patientlv  awaiting;  orders  to  proceed  to  Washington. 


MUSTER  IN.  —  OFF  FOR    THE   FRONT. 


CHAPTER   II. 

MUSTER  IN,  — OFF  FOR  THE  FRONT. 


1861.     f\N  Wednesday,  June  26,  1861,  eight  hundred  and  fifty 
June  26.    \J  men  o^  ^  w^g^r  Regiment  were  mustered  into  the 

United-States  service  by  Capt.  Marshall,  U.S.A. 
July  11.         In  July  the  ranks  were  filled,  and  on  the  llth  the  new 
comers  were  sworn  in  by  Capts.  Marshall  and  Amory. 
The  regimental  roster  was  as  follows  :  — 

Colonel.  —  FLETCHER  WEBSTER  of  Marshfield. 
Lieutenant- Colonel.  —  TIMOTHY  M.  BRYAN,  Jan.,  of  Newton. 
Major.  —  ELISHA  M.  BURBANK  of  Woburn. 
Adjutant.  — THOMAS  P.  HAVILAND  of  Newton. 
Quartermaster.  —  DAVID  WOOD  of  Lexington. 
Chaplain.  — EDWARD  L.  CLARK  of  Andover. 
Surgeon.  —  JEDEDIAH  H.  BAXTER  of  Boston. 
Assistant- Surgeon.  — J.  McLEAN  HAYWARD  of  Boston. 
Sergeant- Major.  —  GERALD  FITZGERALD  of  Boston. 
Quartermaster- Sergeant.  —  LORING  W.  MUZZEY  of  Lexington. 
Commissary- Sergeant.  —  CHARLES  W.  THOMPSON  of  Boston. 
Hospital- Steward.  —  C.  C.  HUTCHINS  of  Maine. 

COMPANY  A. 

Captain.  —  RICHARD  H.  KIMBALL,  Boston. 
First  Lieutenant. — WILLIAM  G.  WHITE. 
Second  Lieutenant. — GEORGE  W.  ORNE. 

After  reaching  Maryland  this  company  was  named 
4 '  Felton  Guards,"  in  honor  of  a  3roung  lady  of  Boston 
to  whom  Capt.  Kimball  was  betrothed. 

COMPANY  R. 

Captain.-. —  GEORGE  W.  MURCH,  Boston. 
First  Lieutenant.  — FRED  R.  SHATTUCK. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  CHARLES  T.  PACKARD. 


16 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


*ui  6n*  Capt.  Murch  was  an  old  veteran  of  the  Mexican  war  ; 
and  his  company  was  known  as  the  "  Dehon  Guards,"  in 
honor  of  William  Dehon,  Esq.,  of  the  Webster  Committee. 

COMPANY  C. 

Captain.  —  DANIEL  G.  HANDY,  Boston. 
First  Lieutenant.  —  EDWARD  T.  PEARCE. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  HARLAN  P.  BENNETT. 

COMPANY  D. 

Captain.  —  NATHANIEL  B.  SHURTLEFF,  jun.,  Boston. 
First  Lieutenant. — J.  OTIS  WILLIAMS. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  GEORGE  B.  DRAKE. 

Capt.  Shnrtleff  being  a  graduate  of  the  Boston  Latin 
School,  that  institution  greatty  interested  itself  in  his 
company.  They  gave  about  four  hundred  dollars  to 
ward  furnishing  each  member  with  flannels,  stockings, 
etc.,  presented  Capt.  Shurtleff  with  a  purse  of  seventy- 
five  dollars,  and  voted  a  gold  medal  with  a  suitable 
inscription  to  the  member  of  Company  D  who  should 
prove  most  worthy  during  his  term  of  service.  They  also 
presented  to  the  company  a  handsome  standard,  made  in 
the  form  of  the  old  Roman  maniple,  surmounted  by  a  gilt 
eagle  and  bearing  a  medallion  head  of  Daniel  Webster. 
Underneath  were  the  numerals  "  xii."  and  the  letter  "  D." 
In  acknowledgment  of  all  this,  Company  D  styled  itself 
the  "  Latin  School  Guard." 

COMPANY  E. 

Captain.  —  EDWARD  C.  SALTMARSH,  Boston. 
First  Lieutenant.  —  GEORGE  H.  DAVIS. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  SAMUEL  APPLETON. 

Capt.  Saltmarsh  was  formerly  of  the  Norwich  Militar}" 
Academy.  Mr.  Emerson's  Boston  school  of  young  ladies 
was  very  generous  to  this  company,  which  took  the  name 
of  "  Emerson  Guards." 

These  five  companies  were  recruited  in  Boston  :  the 
remaining  five  were  recruited  in  the  towns  against  their 
captains'  names. 


MUSTER  IN.  —  OFF  FOR   THE  FRONT.  17 

1861.  COMPANY  F. 

Captain.  —  ALEXANDER   HIGHBORN,  North  Bridge-water  (now 

Brockton). 

First  Lieutenant.  —  ALPHEUS  K.  HARMON. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  HIRAM  W.  COPELAND. 

COMPANY  G 

Captain.  — IRA  BLANCHARD,  Abington 
First  Lieutenant.  — EDWARD  P.  REED. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  LYSANDER  F.  GUSHING. 

COMPANY  H. 

Captain. — JAMES  L.  BATES,  Weymouth. 
First  Lieutenant.  —  CHARLES  W.  HASTINGS. 
Second  Lieutenant.  — FRANCIS  B.  PRATT. 

COMPANY  I. 

Captain.  —  JOHN  RIPLEY,  Stoughton. 
First  Lieutenant.  — CHESTER  CLARK. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  WARREN  THOMPSON. 

This  company  was  color  company  until  after  the  battle 
of  Antietam. 

COMPANY  K. 

Captain.  —  DAVID  ALLEN,  Gloucester. 
First  Lieutenant.  —  BENJAMIN  F.  COOK. 
Second  Lieutenant.  —  GILMAN  SAUNDERS. 

The  late  Ebenezer  Dale  of  Boston  was  greatly  interested 
in  this  company  ;  and,  in  acknowledgment  of  his  liberality 
and  kindly  care,  it  was  known  as  the  "  Dale  .Guards." 

The  band,  William  J.  Martland,  leader,  was  from  North 
Bridgewater  (now  Brockton) ,  and  remained  with  the  regi 
ment  until  May,  18G2,  when  it  was  sent  home  by  virtue  of 
general  orders,  it  having  been  decided  to  reduce  the  num 
ber  of  bands  allowed  to  the  army.  During  its  stay  with 
the  regiment  it  was  of  great  benefit,  and  its  absence  was 
keenly  felt  when  it  had  returned  home. 

July  is.         On  Thursday,  July  18,  the  regiment  left  the  fort  on  the 
steamers  "  Argo  "  and  "May  Queen,"  to  be  reviewed 


18 


THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 

by  the  governor  and  others,  reaching  Commercial  Wharf 
at  10.30  A.M.  Escorted  by  the  Second  Battalion  of  In 
fantry,  Major  Newton,  and  Gilmore's  Band,  the  Webster 
Regiment  marched  through  the  principal  streets  of  the 
city ;  Col.  Webster  riding  a  magnificent  horse,  the  gift 
of  his  brother-graduates  of  Harvard  Universit}',  class  of 
1833.  On  reaching  the  Common,  the  Second  Battalion 
marched  to  the  State  House,  and  received  the  governor 
and  staff,  the  officers  of  the  Independent  Corps  of  Cadets, 
and  the  members  of  the  State  government,  escorting  them 
to  the  Common.  Soon  after  four  P.M.  the  regiment  passed 
in  review  three  times,  —  in  common  time,  quick  time,  and 
double-quick.  The  wheel  by  company  front  attracted 
much  attention  and  elicited  great  applause.  After  pass 
ing  in  review,  the  commissioned  officers  and  color-guard 
were  ordered  to  the  front,  when  the  Hon.  Edward  Everett, 
in  behalf  of  the  ladies  of  Boston,  presented  the  regiment 
with  a  beautiful  flag.  Mr.  Everett's  address  was  as  fol 
lows  :  — 

"  COL.  WEBSTER,  —  You  are  entering,  sir,  with  your  pa 
triotic  associates,  upon  an  untried  field  of  duty;  but  you  are 
descended  from  a  stock  which  in  more  than  one  generation 
teaches  lessons  of  loyal  devotion.  Your  grandfather,  Capt. 
Ebenezer  Webster,  a  grave  and  thoughtful  man,  was  one  of 
those  frontier  rangers  who  bore  the  brunt  of  the  Seven  Years' 
War  in  the  wilderness,  which  separated  our  then  feeble  settle 
ments  from  Canada;  and  he  stood  with  Stark  at  Bennington. 
Your  noble  father,  in  defence  of  the  menaced  Constitution  of 
his  country,  led  the  mighty  conflicts  of  the  Senate,  —  not  less 
decisive  than  the  conflicts  of  the  field.  Your  only  brother,  fol 
lowing  the  impulses  of  a  generous  ambition,  left  his  young  life 
on  the  sickly  plains  of  Mexico.  On  the  family  that  bears  these 
proud  memories,  nothing  less  worthy  than  duty  well  performed, 
danger  bravely  met,  and  the  country  honorably  served,  will 
ever,  I  am  confident,  be  inscribed  in  connection  with  your 
name. 

"It  is  with  no  ordinary  feelings  of  satisfaction,  that,  on  be 
half  of  the  patriotic  ladies  who  take  a  friendly  interest  in  the 
regiment,  I  now  present  you  this  beautiful  banner,  well  assured 
that  you  and  all  in  your  command  will  regard  it  with  grateful 
interest,  as  a  token  of  their  kind  wishes  and  a  pledge  of  their 
sympathy;  and  that  you  will  look  upon  it  with  patriotic  rever- 


MUSTER   IN.  —  OFF  FOR   THE  FRONT.  19 

1861.  ence  as  the  symbol  of  the  Union,  the  emblem  of  the  cause  you 
July  18>  defend  and  the  country  you  serve.  It  bears  upon  its  field  as  a 
motto,  from  that  immortal  speech  of  your  father,  the  soul-stir 
ring  words,  '  Not  a  stripe  erased  or  polluted,  not  a  single  star 
obscured. '  It  is  to  maintain  their  high  significance  that  the 
contest  in  which  you  are  embarking  is  waged.  Those  emblems 
of  our  Union,  I  need  not  tell  you,  were  first  displayed  in  the 
camp  of  Washington,  on  yonder  opposite  shore,  on  the  1st  of 
January,  1776.  They  have  been  borne  by  the  armies  of  the 
United  States  against  a  foreign  enemy  on  hard-fought  fields, 
from  the  shores  of  Canada  to  the  burning  plains  of  Mexico. 
With  our  navies  they  have  encircled  the  globe.  They  are  now 
displayed  in  defence  of  the  Union  itself,  in  this  most  unright 
eous  and  fratricidal  war ;  and,  like  the  holy  symbol  which  the 
first  Christian  emperor  saw  in  the  heavens,1  they  shall  marshal 
its  defenders  to  victory.  Your  noble  father,  sir,  with  prophetic 
foresight,  uttered  these  solemn  words:  '  There  can  be  no  such 
thing  as  a  peaceful  secession.'  Your  country  calls  you  to  dis 
charge  your  part  in  the  duty  —  as  imperative  as  it  is  sad  — 
which  that  principle  devolves  on  all  good  citizens,  each  in  his 
appropriate  sphere.  You  would  gladly  have  avoided,  we  should 
all  gladly  have  avoided,  the  stern  necessity  which  it  laid  upon 
us.  We  spoke  the  words  of  conciliation  and  peace  till  they  in 
spired  nothing  but  contempt,  and  invited  even  new  exactions 
on  the  part  of  our  brethren  to  whom  they  were  addressed  ;  and 
it  was  not  until  they  themselves  had  cried  '  Havoc!  and  let  slip 
the  dogs  of  war,'  that  the  outraged  spirit  of  a  loyal  people  was 
roused  to  a  tardy  resistance.  Not  upon  us  rests  the  dread 
responsibility  of  the  unnatural  conflict. 

"  Go,  then,  sir,  go,  my  young  friends  all,  to  the  field  of  honor 
and  duty.  Place  yourselves  cheerfully,  zealously,  wherever  the 
orders  of  your  noble  leader  —  our  matchless  commander-in- 
chief  —  shall  summon  you.  Deem  yourselves  above  all  things 
fortunate  that  you  are  to  serve  under  the  supreme  command  of 
a  chieftain  as  wise  and  prudent  as  he  is  skilful  and  brave,  who 
has  the  fortitude  to  resist  the  ardor  with  which  an  impatient 
country  is  pressing  for  the  bloody  arbitrament  of  battle,  and 
who  deems  it  the  greatest  of  victories  to  spare  the  lives  of  his 
own  gallant  men.  Honored  alone  of  all  our  meritorious  officers 
with  the  title  and  rank  conferred  but  once  before,  and  then  on 
the  Father  of  his  Country,  Lieut. -Gen.  Scott  remembers  how 
Washington  lay  seemingly  inactive  for  nine  long  months  within 

1  The  Roman  Emperor  Constantine,  who  was  inspirited  to  renewed  endeavors 
by  the  appearance  in  the  heavens  of  a  cross  bearing  the  inscription,  "  Conquer 
by  this." 


20  THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 

1861.  the  lines  (of  which  on  yonder  heights  you  still  see  the  remains) 
which  encircled  Boston,  from  which  he  allowed  the  enemy 
at  last  to  depart  without  the  loss  of  a  man.  He  remembers 
that  the  campaigns  of  1779  and  1780  passed  without  a  blow 
struck  by  the  force  under  Gen.  Washington,  and  that  after  the 
power  of  the  enemy  was  broken,  and  the  war  virtually  ended  by 
the  fall  of  Cornwallis  in  1781,  still  for  two  years  it  was  allowed 
to  linger,  and  the  hostile  army  remained  undisturbed  in  its 
stronghold  at  New  York.  Gen.  Scott  remembers  this  ;  and  he 
knows  that  it  was  precisely  the  Fabian  delays,  this  courageous 
deliberation,  by  which  alone  the  Revolution  could  have  been 
conducted  to  a  triumphant  issue. 

"  And  now,  sir,  on  behalf  of  the  friends  of  the  regiment,  on 
behalf  of  this  favoring  and  sympathizing  multitude,  I  bid  you 
with  your  officers  and  men  Godspeed!  The  best  wishes  of 
those  you  have  left  behind  will  bear  you  company.  The  mem 
ories  of  Bunker  Hill,  Lexington,  and  Concord  will  hover  around 
your  march.  The  example  of  the  Massachusetts  troops  who 
have  preceded  you  will  kindle  your  emulation.  Let  the  fair 
banner  I  now  confide  to  you  be  seen  in  the  front  of  battle. 
When  it  returns  in  God's  good  time,  with  your  regiment,  it 
may  come  back  torn  and  faded;  but  it  will  not,  it  shall  not, 
return  disgraced.  Dust  and  blood  may  stain  it;  the  iron  hail 
of  battle  may  mar  its  beautiful  blazonry;  it  may  hang  in  hon 
orable  tatters  from  its  staff,  —  but  loyalty  and  patriotism  shall 
cling  to  its  last  shred:  treachery  shall  blast  it  never,  never!  " 

Col.  Webster  was  deeply  affected,  and,  on  receiving  the 
standard,  made  the  following  reply  :  — 

**  In  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment  of 
Infantry  of  Massachusetts,  I  accept  from  your  hands,  sir,  this 
beautiful  standard.  I  accept  it,  sir,  with  no  feelings  of 
thoughtless  exultation,  but  regard  it  as  a  very  sacred  trust, 
bringing  with  it  grave  responsibilities  and  duties.  We  are  here 
under  arms,  not  for  the  sake  of  display,  nor  attracted  by  the 
glitter  and  pomp  of  military  life.  Like  thousands  of  others,  we 
have  left  our  occupations  and  our  homes,  and  those  who  make 
home  dear  to  us,  for  the  purpose  of  defending,  maintaining, 
and  upholding  those  institutions  of  civil  government  which 
have  protected  and  made  profitable  those  occupations  and  safe 
those  homes;  and  we  do  not  purpose  to  return  with  this  work 
unaccomplished.  The  plainest  dictates  of  duty  to  God,  to  our 
ancestry,  and  to  our  children,  call  us  to  this  task.  We  are  well 
aware  of  the  difficulties  and  dangers  in  our  path;  but,  trusting 


MUSTER  IN.— OFF  FOR   THE  FRONT.  21 

1861.  in  Heaven  and  the  justice  of  our  cause,  we  are  prepared  to 
July  18'  encounter  them.  When  next,  sir,  you  shall  see  this  banner,  it 
may  otter  a  strong  contrast  to  its  present  radiant  appearance. 
You  may  see  its  brilliancy  gone,  its  gay  colors  dimmed  with 
smoke,  and  its  silken  folds  battered  by  shot,  but  it  shall  never 
bear  a  stain  of  dishonor.  Some  of  us  will  bring  it  back  ;  and  it 
shall  hang  in  our  halls  when  — 

"  '  Danger's  troubled  night  is  o'er, 
And  the  star  of  peace  returns.' 

"  We  offer  to  you,  and  to  those  friends  who  through  you  have 
intrusted  us  with  the  keeping  of  this  standard,  our  warm 
and  heartfelt  thanks  for  this  mark  of  their  kindness  and  con 
fidence." 

The  color-guard  then  advanced  ;  the  standard  was  com 
mitted  to  their  care ;  and  Col.  Webster,  turning  to  the 
regiment,  called  for  three  cheers  for  the  friends  of  the 
cause,  which  were  enthusiastically  given. 

The  standard  was  of  rich  white  silk,  with  a  heavy  gold 
band  edged  with  blue  ;  the  shield  of  the  Union  and  the  coat- 
of-arms  of  Massachusetts  resting  on  each  other  to  repre 
sent  the  mutual  support  each  derived  from  the  other.  On 
the  scroll  the  celebrated  Webster  motto,  "Not  a  stripe 
erased  or  polluted,  not  a  single  star  obscured  ;  "  connect 
ing  the  insignia  of  State  and  Union,  the  motto,  "  E  Pluri- 
bus  Unum."  The  palm-leaf  of  victory  and  oak-leaf  of 
strength  completed  this  side  of  the  banner.  On  the  oppo 
site  side,  "  The  Webster  Regiment,  April  21st,  1861."  A 
halo  of  light  above  was  set  off  by  a  war-cloud  below ;  and 
nearly  surrounding  the  painting  was  a  laurel  and  oak 
wreath,  connecting  the  first  and  last  words  of  the  motto. 

The  staff  was  lance  wood,  the  handle  elegantly  carved 
with  the  letter  W ;  a  golden  eagle  rested  on  top  of  the 
staff;  lower  down  a  magnificent  fold  of  satin  bordered 
with  gold  and  trimmed  with  fringe  of  the  same  material. 

After  the  presentation,  the  regiment  partook  of  a  sump 
tuous  repast  served  by  the  city  under  the  trees  on  the 
Beacon-street  mall.  At  six  o'clock  the  line  was  formed 
for  dress-parade,  after  which  the  regiment  returned  to 
Fort  Warren.  In  going  down  through  State  Street,  the 
men  marched  route-step,  and  sang  the  "John  Brown" 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

31-  song  in  a  spirited  manner  with  full  band  accompaniment. 
The  song  originated  in  the  Second  Battalion  of  Infantry 
while  it  was  in  the  fort,  and  had  been  enthusiastically 
adopted  by  the  Webster  Regiment.  All  who  were  present 
and  saw  the  regiment  on  this  occasion  acknowledged  that 
it  was  unexcelled  in  discipline  and  quality. 

The  Webster  Committee  were  losing  patience,  and  for 
good  reason.     The  regiment  seemed  doomed  to  dwell  for 
ever  in  Fort  Warren.     Seven  regiments  had  gone  to  the 
front,  yet  the  Twelfth  still  drilled   arid  waited  in  Boston 
Harbor.     So  the  committee  induced  the  Hon.  Henry  Wil 
son,  Chairman  of  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  to  visit 
Fort  Warren  and  see  the  Webster  Regiment.     He  came, 
and  declared  it  the  best-drilled  organization  he  had  thus 
far  seen.     On  his  return   to  Washington  an  order  came, 
"Add  to  the  seven  other  regiments  the  Twelfth ;"  and 
the  Webster  Regiment  prepared  to  leave  the  State. 
July  23.         On  Tuesday,  July  23,  the  regiment  was  reviewed  by 
Brig. -Gen.    Andrews,   commander   of  the   garrison,   and 
was  escorted   by  the'  Fourteenth  Regiment,  Col.  Greene, 
to  the  landing.     On   its  way  to  Boston  it  was  saluted  by 
the  school-ship  "Massachusetts,"  and  the  ships  "Pem 
broke"    and  "Cambridge."     At  6.30  P.M.  the  regiment 
reached  Boston.     The  men  wore  white  "  havelocks,"  and 
had  their  overcoats   neatly  folded  on   top  of  their  knap 
sacks,  the  bright  red  lining  being  outward,   which  con 
trasted   oddly  with  their   tanned    faces   and    blue  coats. 
The  strength  was  1,040  men,  armed  with  the  Enfield  rifle. 
Escorted  by  the  Second  Battalion,  the  regiment  marched 
in  quick  time,  via  State,  Court,  and  Tremont  Streets,  to 
the  Old  Colony  Depot.     While  marching  up  State  Street, 
and  again  near  the  Common,   the  men  sang  with  much 
spirit  the  famous  "  John  Brown  "  song.     The  march  was 
one  grand  ovation.     At  every  available  point  streets  and 
windows  were  literally  packed.     Not  a  man  was  left  be 
hind  :  all  were  in  good  condition  and  ready  for  any  duty. 
"  The  Massachusetts  Register  "  says,  — 

"  So  eager  were  the  brave  fellows  to  serve  their  country,  that 
they  actually  signed  three  sets  of  papers." 


MUSTER  IN. —  OFF  FOR   THE  FRONT.  23 

1861.  The}' never  received  any  pay  for  the  time  previous  to 
date  of  muster  into  the  United-States  service. 

At  eight  P.M.  the  train  moved  out  of  the  Old  Colony 
Depot.  It  consisted  of  twenty-one  passenger-cars,  drawn 
by  two  powerful  engines.  Following  it  came  the  camp- 
equipage,  —  twenty  baggage- wagons,  two  hospital-wagons, 
five  ambulances,  one  powder-wagon,  and  ninety-six  horses. 
The  horses  had  been  picketted  on  the  old  battle-ground  at 
Lexington,  and  trained  by  the  teamsters.  Every  man  in 
the  regiment  had  ten  rounds  of  ammunition,  and  fifty 
thousand  rounds  were  carried  on  the  baggage-train. 

41  The  Massachusetts  Register"  says, — 

"  The  departure  of  the  Webster  Regiment  will  long  be  re 
membered  by  those  who  witnessed  its  birth,  growth,  and  educa 
tion.  The  relation  which  it  maintained  to  the  city,  and  the 
reputation  which  it  achieved,  secured  to  these  troops  an  ovation 
second  to  none  which  preceded  it." 

The  passage  to  Fall  River  was  marked  by  bonfires,  fire 
works,  and  other  illuminations  all  along  the  route.  Fall 
River  was  reached  at  10.30  P.M.,  and  at  1.30  A.M.  of  July 
24  the  steamer  "Bay  State  "  carried  the  Webster  Regi- 
Juiy24.  ment  from  the  shore  of  Massachusetts. 

The  passage  down  the  Sound  was  pleasant.  From  Hell 
Gate  to  the  landing  at  New  York  the  regiment  was  lustily 
cheered  by  thousands.  At  Fourteenth  Street  a  delegation 
of  Massachusetts  gentlemen,  accompanied  by  the  Seventh 
New- York  Regiment  Band,  were  in  waiting  ;  and  the  regi 
ment  was  escorted  to  the  Park  Barracks,  where  dinner 
was  provided  by  the  Military  Agent  for  Massachusetts, 
the  officers  dining  at  the  Astor  House.  At  seven  P.M.  the 
regiment  marched  down  Broadway  to  Pier  No.  2.  At  the 
order  "  route-step,"  the  band  struck  up  "  John  Brown  :  " 
the  men  joined  in  singing,  and  the  citizens  of  New  York 
were  electrified  by  the  weird  chorus.  It  had  never  before 
been  sung  in  New-York  City.  The  steamer  "Kill  von 
Kull "  carried  the  regiment  to  Elizabethport,  where,  after 
a  delay  of  three  hours,  caused  by  disembarking  the  bag 
gage-wagons,  cars  were  taken  for  Harrisburg,  Penn. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


On  throuSh  thc  lovelJ  scenery  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania, 
halting  occasionally  for  some  coming  train,  and  improving 
the  time  by  picking  blackberries  ;  stopping  for  lunch  at 
Reading;  waiting  two  hours  at  Newmantown,  for  an  ex 
press  train  ;  received  with  open  arms  by  the  thrifty  and 
hospitable  inhabitants  of  Lebanon,  and  reaching  Harris- 
burg  at  six  P.M.  ;  waiting  there  two  hours  ;  then  still  on 
through  York,  to  Glen  Rock. 

July  26.  Here  the  regiment  breakfasted,  loaded  muskets,  and 
filled  canteens  from  a  "  boiling  spring;  "  on  at  a  snail's 
pace  to  Hummelstown  ;  passing  Mason's  and  Dixon's 
Line,  and  entering  "  Dixie  "  at  9.30  A.M.,  July  26,  —  such 
was  the  journey. 

The  regiment  was  five  and  one-half  hours  travelling 
from  Glen  Rock  to  Hummelstown,  a  distance  of  twenty- 
five  miles.  Suspicion  being  aroused  of  something  wrong, 
Col.  Webster  dismissed  the  engineer  ;  and  one  of  our  own 
men,  Nathan  L.  Revere  of  Company  G,  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  engine,  with  manifest  good  results  in  the 
item  of  speed. 

At  noon  the  regiment  reached  Baltimore  ;  the  baggage 
was  drawn  across  the  city  by  horses,  and  guarded  by 
Companies  H  and  B  ;  a  few  moments  were  devoted  to  a 
hasty  meeting  with  the  Eighth  Massachusetts,  and  quietly 
and  peacefully  the  Webster  Regiment  passed  "through 
Baltimore."  At  ten  P.M.,  singing  "John  Brown,"  the 
regiment  left  Baltimore,  and,  packed  in  cattle-cars,  rode 
on  past  camp  and  guard,  till,  on  the  morning  of  July  27, 
Sandy  Hook,  Md.,  opposite  Harper's  Ferry,  was  reached. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  25 


CHAPTER    III. 

THE   FIEST   TEAE'S    DUTY. 

1861.  milE  regiment  pitched  tents  on  the  Maryland  side  of 
July  27.  _L  tjje  p0tomac  River,  about  a  mile  from  Harper's  Ferry  ; 
and,  being  assigned  to  Abercrombie's  brigade  of  Banks's 
division,  the  camp  was  named  in  honor  of  the  division 
commander.  The  "  twin  regiments,"  Second  Massachu 
setts  and  Third  Wisconsin,  greeted  our  arrival ;  and,  after 
detailing  portions  of  Companies  B  and  D  to  guard  a  build 
ing  at  division  headquarters, — filled  with  ammunition, 
-the  remainder  of  the  Twelfth  was,  with  the  Thirty- 
fourth  New  York,  assigned  to  guard-duty  along  the 
Potomac. 

July  28.  During  the  night  the  regiment  struck  tents  and  awaited 
orders.  Fifteen  extra  rounds  of  ammunition  were  issued 
to  each  man.  At  daylight  pitched  tents  again. 

July  29.  In  the  afternoon  Companies  B  and  H  were  sent  to  Mary 
land  Heights  on  scout-duty,  where  they  met  the  Third 
Wisconsin  building  an  observatory.  At  night  Doubleday's 
battery  and  several  infantry  regiments  camped  beside  the 
Twelfth. 

July  so.  Regimental  drill,  the  rest  of  the  day  being  spent  in 
"  fixing  up  "  tents  and  camp.  The  three  months' regi 
ments  were  steadily  "marching  home  again,"  and  three 
years'  regiments  continually  arriving. 

July  31.  Hot  weather.  Gen.  Banks  was  expected  to  visit  the 
camp  for  inspection,  but  failed  to  put  in  an  appearance. 
Rained  at  nightfall. 

Aug.  i.  Rain  and  shine.  The  Fifth  Connecticut  arrived,  and 
camped  near  by. 

Aug.  2.         A  man  was  drummed  out  of  camp. 


26  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1 861-  Sunday.  Chaplain  Clark  preached  from  text,  "  No  man 
Aug'4'  liveth  to  himself,  and  no  man  dieth  to  himself."  The 
band  played  "  Old  Hundred,"  all  who  could  joining  in 
singing.  Fernando  d'Argome,  a  drummer  in  the  band,  was 
accidentally  wounded  by  a  pistol-ball,  which,  glancing  on 
a  tree,  lodged  in  his  neck.  A  member  of  D  company  was 
reported  "  missing."  Three  of  F  company  visited  Harp 
er's  Ferry,  returning  with  news  of  one  thousand  rebel 
conscripts  being  at  Winchester  ;  while  an  indefinite  num 
ber  were  said  to  be  at  Manassas.  Harper's  Ferry  they 
reported  to  be  "a  filthy  place." 

Aug.  5.  Rain.  One  of  the  companies,  being  out  target-firing, 
occasioned  quite  an  alarm :  the  noise  being  mistaken  for 
an  engagement  near  by,  the  whole  division  turned  out 
under  arms  ere  the  mistake  was  discovered.  Shortly 
afterward  the  Twelfth  Indiana  discharged  its  muskets 
to  see  what  the  effect  would  be,  with  very  gratifying  re 
sults  in  the  item  of  creating  an  alarm.  Companies  F  and 
H  were  detailed  for  a  two  clays'  scout,  but  B  contrived  to 
take  F's  place.  Gen.  Abercrombie  witnessed  the  regi 
mental  drill  during  the  afternoon,  and  a  newspaper  corre 
spondent  wrote,  — 

"  Gen.  Abercrombie  gives  it  as  his  opinion  that  the  Twelfth 
is  the  best-drilled  regiment  in  the  brigade,  and  cannot  be  ex 
celled  by  any  in  the  division." 

Aug.  6.  At  9.30  A.M.  shifted  camp  to  a  very  pleasant  grove, 
with  abundance  of  good  water. 

Aug.  7.  Battalion  drill.  At  dress-parade  Gen.  Banks  and  staff, 
with  other  visitors,  were  present. 

Aug.  9.  A  rattlesnake  was  killed.  It  was  three  feet  nine  inches 
long,  and  had  six  rattles. 

Aug.  14.  A  severe  north-east  storm  raging.  At  seven  P.M.  re 
ceived  orders  to  be  ready  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice, 
with  two  days'  cooked  rations. 

Aug.  15.  Was  spent  in  conjectures  as  to  when  and  where  the 
regiment  was  to  move.  At  ten  A.M.  the  whole  brigade 
marched  to  Weaverstown,  halted  there  half  an  hour  ;  then 
on  through  Knoxville  and  Petersville,  halting  at  Skedunk- 
ski  Creek ;  then  through  Jefferson  to  Buckeyston,  where 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  27 

1861-  the  brigade  camped,  after  a  march  of  twenty-six  miles. 
Rained  after  reaching  camp. 

Aug.  17.  Still  raining.  At  eight  A.M.  marched  through  Bucke}rs- 
ton,  and  crossed  the  Monocacy  River,  when  a  halt  was 
ordered.  Rumor  said  the  thermometer  ranged  from  100° 
to  120°  in  the  shade. 

Aug.  is.  Doubleday's  artillerj*,  the  Ninth  New  York,  and  other 
troops,  are  on  the  move. 

Aug.  19.  Roused  early  with  the  already  familiar  orders,  to  move 
at  a  moment's  notice.  A  dense  fog  prevailing,  delayed 
matters,  till  at  nine  A.M.  tents  were  struck,  and  the  regi 
ment  floundered  through  muddy  roads  to  Urbanna,  where 
it  was  rapturously  received  by  the  inhabitants,  under  the 
supposition  that  it  was  a  Confederate  force.  Shortly  after 
passing  Urbanna,  a  false  alarm  set  eveiy  one  on  the  qui 
vive;  and,  flanked  by  skirmishers,  the  regiment  marched  to 
Hyattstown,  where  it  camped  for  the  night.  Capt.  Kim- 
ball  with  twenty  men  was  sent  to  Hyattstown,  to  search  a 
house  said  to  be  full  of  ammunition  ;  but  all  he  could  find 
was  a  few  old  muskets,  of  date  not  much  later  than  the 
Revolution. 

Aug.  20.  Fine  day,  but  short  rations.  Citizens  were  in  camp 
complaining  of  theft.  One  was  speedily  sent  about  his 
business  by  Lieut. -Col.  Bryan.  During  the  morning  Gen 
eral  Orders  referring  to  discipline  were  read,  the  instruc 
tions  to  guards  being  very  strict.  Battalion  skirmish-drill. 

Aug.  21.  Several  prisoners  were  brought  into  camp.  Gen.  Banks 
and  the  Second  Massachusetts  arrived.  Great  excitement 
prevailed  on  account  of  a  rumor  of  poisoned  springs. 

Aug.  24.  Rained  since  morning  of  23d.  Company  A  on  picket. 
Mail  came,  and  news  of  evacuation  of  Harper's  Ferry  by 
the  Union  forces. 

Aug.  25.  Sundaj" —  inspection.  At  the  evening  service  the  chap 
lain  discoursed  on  "  The  Individual  Responsibility  of  Man 
to  his  Maker." 

Aug.  26.  Col.  Webster  left  for  Washington.  Five  members  of 
Company  F  were  detailed  for  hospital  service  at  Balti 
more.  Two  lieutenants  and  four  men  were  detailed  for 
service  in  signal  corps.  Heavy  firing  heard  in  direction 
of  Washington,  causing  all  manner  of  rumors. 


28  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1861.         Company  F  on  guard  near  Hyattstown.     First  brigade 

Aug.  27.      rcyiewed< 

Aug.  28.  Severe  north-east  storm.  Toward  noon  subsided  enough 
to  permit  a  review  of  the  second  brigade.  At  four  P.M. 
received  orders  to  march  at  seven  A.M.  Aug.  29. 

Aug. 29.  Reveille  early.  At  6.30  A.M.  struck  tents;  at  7.30 
A.M.  marched.  Travelled  for  thirteen  hours,  doing  only 
five  miles  on  account  of  the  bad  condition  of  the  roads, 
and  camped  in  the  edge  of  a  wood.  Surgeon  Baxter 
averred  that  very  little  more  hard  marching  over  the  mis 
erable  roads  in  such  bad  weather  would  send  the  entire 
regiment  to  the  hospital. 

Aug.  so.        Sun  came  out  to  take  a  look  at  the  country. 

Aug.  31.        Inspection  ;  pay-rolls  signed. 

Sept.  i.         Chaplain  spoke  on  "  Refining  Influences  of  the  Bible." 

sept.  2.  Capt.  Allen,  officer  of  the  day,  put  under  arrest  by  Col. 
Gordon,  of  Second  Massachusetts  (temporarily  command 
ing  the  brigade) .  The  circumstances  are  familiar  to  all 
of  the  regiment,  and  briefly  were,  that  a  member  of  the 
Second  Massachusetts  was  hung  up  by  his  thumbs  for 
some  trifling  misdemeanor,  the  Twelfth  shouted  their  ob 
jections,  and  Capt.  Allen  was  arrested  for  not  preserving 
order.  Col.  Gordon,  in  his  privately  published  "  History 
of  Second  Massachusetts,"  refers  very  slightingly  to  the 
Twelfth,  and  Col.  Webster,  averring  that  "To  interfere 
with  our  discipline  was  at  one  time  the  desire  of  the 
Twelfth."  "  It  was  plainly  evident  from  many  facts  that 
Col.  Webster  could  not  control  his  men  ;  "  and  speaking 
of  "  the  regiment  which  commanded  Col.  Webster."  Let 
one  incident,  out  of  hundreds  which  might  be  cited,  show 
whether  or  no  Col.  Webster  had  "control"  over  his 
men. 

Once  they  were  rather  noisily  amusing  themselves  with 
story-telling,  joking,  etc.  The  adjutant  came  and  said, 
"  Col.  Webster  would  like  you  to  make  a  little  less  noise." 
There  was  instantaneous  silence. 

That  Col.  Gordon's  course  was  not  approved  by  his 
superiors  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  Capt.  Allen  was 
released  from  arrest;  and  Davidson  of  Company  B, 
who  had  been  charged  with  inciting  mutiny  and  in- 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  29 

1861.  subordination,  was  tried  by  general  court-martial  and  ac 
quitted. 

At  evening  Col.  Webster  returned  from  Washington, 
and  was  received  with  hearty  cheers. 

Sept.  s.  Gen.  Abercrombie  witnessed  battalion  drill  under  Capt. 
Bates,  and  spoke  flatteringly  of  the  regiment's  appearance. 

Sept.  4.  The  customary  "  Orders  to  move  at  a  moment's  notice." 
News  that  Jeff  Davis  has  again  died. 

Sept.  5.         Mail  came.     Rainy. 

Sept.  7.  Orders  to  "  be  ready  to  move,"  etc.  Companj7"  H,  and  a 
compan}^  from  the  Second  Massachusetts,  guarding  a  sup- 
pi}- train.  About  two  thousand  mules,  with  proper  allow 
ance  of  wagons  and  teamsters,  camped  near  by.  A  rumor 
was  afloat,  to  the  effect  that  seventy-five  thousand  rebs 
were  going  to  cross  the  Potomac.  (Just  one  }'ear  later 
this  proved  a  truthful  report.) 

Sept.  s.  Sunday.  Lieut.  Hastings  and  five  men  returned  from 
Washington,  bringing  the  mail.  Breakfast  this  day  con 
sisted  of  potatoes  and  beefsteak  (not  the  "fresh  meat" 
of  later  days) . 

Sept.  10.  Battalion  drill  in  "  ba}x>net  charge,"  the  movement 
being  executed  with  a  "  howling  accompaniment." 

Sept.  11.  Regiment  was  visited  by  Gen.  Banks,  Mayor  Wight- 
man,  and  the  correspondent  of  "The  London  Times." 
In  the  afternoon  some  of  the  men  indulged  in  a  foot-race. 
Rain  at  nightfall. 

sept.  12.  Lieut. -Col.  Bryan,  with  Companies  B  and  G,  left  camp 
under  sealed  orders.  Major  Burbank,  Chaplain  Clark, 
Surgeon  Baxter,  and  the  band  accompanied  the  party. 
Gen.  Banks  and  lady  visited  camp  at  dress-parade.  At 
night  the  supply-trains  moved. 

The  following  organizations  wrere  camped  near  the 
Twelfth :  Second  and  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  Twelfth 
and  Sixteenth  Indiana,  Fourth  and  Fifth  Rhode-Island 
Batteries,  Cameron  artillery,  and  a  regiment  of  New- 
York  cavalry. 

Sept.  is.        Were  reminded  that  should  move  shortly. 

Sept.  14.        Fine  day,  men  playing  foot-ball  and  base-ball. 

Sept.  15.  During  the  afternoon  Gen.  Pierce  —  in  citizen's  dress  — 
visited  regimental  headquarters. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

Soon    n.ft,pr  t 
Sept.  19. 


Soon  after  tattoo  the  regiment  was  turned  out.     Forty 


rounds  of  ammunition  were  issued  to  each  man.  At  eleven 
P.M.  marched,  passing  through  Darnestown.  At  three 
A.M.  the  regiment  bivouacked  "  by  Potomac's  shore." 

Sept.  20.  During  the  afternoon  shifted  camp  to  near  Muddy 
Branch. 

Sept.  21.        Building  ovens.     Company  F  on  picket. 

Sept.  22.  Sunday.  Firing  heard  across  the  river,  and  a  column 
of  Confederates  could  plainly  be  seen  on  the  opposite 
shore  of  the  Potomac.  Company  H  on  main  guard.  Re 
ligious  exercises  at  ten  A.M. 

Sept.  23.  Private  Rufus  A.  Peck,  Company  I,  while  killing  beef, 
was  struck  by  a  falling  beam.  He  lived  about  half  an 
hour  after  the  accident.  This  was  the  first  death  in  the 
regiment.  The  Eleventh  Cavalry  camped  near  by. 

Sept.  24.        Rufus  A.  Peck  buried  at  three  P.M. 

sept.  25.  One  hundred  men  out  mending  the  roads.  In  the  even 
ing  paymaster  arrived. 

Sept.  26.        National  Fast  Day.     The  new  sutler  came. 

Sept.  27.  Rain.  Mail  received.  Firing  heard  in  direction  of  Long 
Bridge. 

Sept.  28.        Mail  received,  and  newspapers. 

Sept.  29.  Inspection.  Service  at  ten  A.M.  :  subject  of  discourse, 
"Firmness  in  Time  of  Battle  and  in  Temptation."  A 
soldier  of  the  Twelfth  writes  under  this  date,  — 

"  To-day  is  the  sabbath;  and  it  is  kept  in  our  camp  with  as 
much  strictness  as  at  home,  except  that  the  work  necessary  to 
be  done  is  a  little  more.  This  morning  we  had  an  excellent 
sermon  preached  in  the  open  air  by  our  worthy  chaplain.  The 
decorum  observed,  and  the  attention  with  which  it  was  listened 
to,  speak  well  for  the  regiment." 

Sept.  so.  Heavy  firing  heard,  and  smoke  seen  up  the  river.  It 
proved  to  be  an  attack  on  some  of  our  troops  which  had 
crossed  the  Potomac,  above  Harper's  Ferry,  to  seize  some 
wheat  belonging  to  the  Confederates.  A  call  being  made 
for  re-enforcements,  part  of  Third  Wisconsin  Infantry,  and 
four  pieces  from  the  Rhode-Island  and  New- York  batteries, 
were  sent  from  the  brigade.  The  Confederate  force  was 
repulsed,  and  moved  down  the  river  to  nearly  opposite  the 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  31 

1861.  camp  of  the  Twelfth.  There  were  six  regiments,  and  the 
sight  of  so  large  a  body  of  the  enemy  caused  some  stir  in 
camp.  Orders  to  move  were  received. 

Oct.  i.  At  earl}'  morning  the  regiment  silently  moved  back 
from  the  river.  At  noon  Companies  B  and  G,  with  Major 
Burbank,  returned  from  their  mysterious  errand  of  Sept. 
12.  Reports  had  been  received,  that  a  "  secesh  "  legisla 
ture  was  to  be  convened  at  Baltimore,  and  these  two  com 
panies  had  been  despatched  as  an  armed  force  to  repress 
the  movement.  As  this  legislature  never  was  assembled, 
the  services  of  the  military  pilgrims  were  not  required. 

Oct.  3.  Mail  came.  Ten  men,  with  Company  K  as  guard,  were 
sent  to  fell  trees  on  an  island  in  the  river.  The  stream 
being  unfordable,  the  expedition  returned  to  camp. 

Oct.  4.          Firing  heard  all  day.     Dress-parade  in  evening. 

Oct.  5.  A  call  received  for  volunteers  for  regular  cavalry  and 
artillery.  Five  men  required  from  each  company. 

Oct.  6.  Col.  Webster  received  information  that  the  "six  regi 
ments  of  rebel  infantry  and  one  battery  that  attacked  Great 
Falls  a  few  days  previous  were  encamped  directly  oppo 
site  the  camp  of  the  Twelfth,"  and  that  Gen.  Banks  de 
sired  him  and  his  command  to  be  on  the  alert.  A  report 
was  afoot  that  the  regiment  was  to  guard  rebel  prisoners 
at  Fort  Warren. 

Oct.  7.  Thunder,  lightning,  snow,  rain,  wind,  sleet.  Oliver 
Younger  of  Company  K  died  from  typhus-fever. 

Oct.  9.          Heavy  firing  heard  all  day. 

Oct.  10.  One  of  Company  C's  men,  while  on  picket,  suspected 
that  some  one  was  concealed  in  a  clump  of  bushes  near 
him.  When  relieved,  he  notified  his  successor,  warning 
him  to  watch  those  bushes.  Then,  without  acquainting 
an}'  one  of  his  intention,  he  started  on  a  tour  of  investiga 
tion  outside  the  picket-line.  Result :  the  poor  fellow  re 
ceived  a  serious  wound  in  the  leg  ;  for  the  sentry  promptly 
fired  on  noticing  a  movement  in  the  bushes,  on  which  he 
had  been  warned  to  keep  good  watch. 

Oct.  12.         The  following  was  received  at  headquarters  :  — 

LIEUT. -CoL.  BRYAN,  commanding  Twelfth  Mass.  Vols. 

Colonel,  —  You  will  tak«  personal  charge  of  all  the  pickets 


32  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1861.  from  Muddy  Branch  to  Great  Falls,  so  that  the  river  may  be 
closely  watched. 

N.  P.  BANKS,  Maj.-Gen.  Com.  Div. 

This  resulted  in  a  severe  tour  of  guard-duty  for  the 
regiment. 

Oct.  22.  Active  preparations  to  move  toward  Edward's  Ferry, 
and  join  the  rest  of  the  division.  Ball's  Bluff  had  been 
fought ;  and,  by  order  of  Gen.  McClellan,  the  brigade 
was  ordered  to  re-enforce  the  troops  there.  At  ten  A.M. 
marched,  halting  for  an  hour  at  Seneca  Mills,  then  on 
across  Seneca  Creek,  where  the  regiment  bivouacked  for 
the  night  in  and  around  an  old  barn.  A  very  muddy 
march,  which  delayed  the  artillery  ;  so  that  it  was  late  at 
night  when  they  came  up. 

Oct.  23.  Virginia  in  full  view.  The  wagons  not  coming  up,  the 
regiment  foraged  for  a  breakfast.  At  noon  the  delinquent 
wagons  arrived,  escorted  by  stragglers.  At  one  P.M. 
moved  about  one-quarter  of  a  mile  ;  were  just  beginning 
to  think  of  pitching  tents,  when  orders  came  to  "  Reload 
all  wagons  that  had  been  unloaded,  those  that  had  not 
been  touched  to  remain  as  they  were."  Cold,  cloudy, 
and  windy.  Supper  consisted  of  pork,  hard  bread,  and 
coffee.  At  night  Gen.  McClellan  crossed  the  river. 
Rumor  said  to  hold  a  council  of  war. 

Oct.  24.  Members  of  Fifteenth  and  Twentieth  Massachusetts 
visited  camp  with  full  accounts  of  the  Ball's-Bluff  disaster 
of  the  21st.  At  night  pitched  tents. 

Oct.  25.         Frosty.     Shifted  camp  one-half  mile. 

Oct.  26.  At  ten  A.M.  marched  towards  Conrad's  Ferry.  Halted 
to  allow  other  troops  to  pass.  At  eleven  A.M.,  preceded 
by  the  Sixteenth  Indiana,  marched  through  Poolesville. 
Distance  fifteen  miles.  Pitched  tents. 

Oct.  28.         Shifted  camp  two  miles. 

Oct.  29.         Building  ovens  and  fireplaces. 

Oct.  so.         Cold  weather.     Newspapers  in  camp. 

Oct.  31.         Mail  came,  with  rumors  of  a  inarch  to  Harper's  Ferry. 

NOV.  1-3.        Severe  storm  raging. 

NOV.  4.  Heard  of  resignation  of  Gen.  Scott.  In  afternoon  a  mem 
ber  of  Company  K  accidentally  wounded  while  on  picket. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  33 


1861.         Began  to  build  log  houses.     Work  stopped  by  the  rain. 

Nov.  9. 
Nov.  10. 


Finished  building  houses.    They  were  sixteen  by  twelve 


feet,  sixteen  feet  high,  thatched  with  straw. 

NOV.  11.        Compan}-  A  on  picket. 

NOV.  12.  While  on  drill,  news  came  that  Fort  Sumter  was  again 
in  possession  of  Union  forces.  Three  cheers  were  called 
for,  but  objected  to,  as  the  news  might  prove  untrue. 
Cheers  were  then  proposed  for  the  rumor,  and  enthusiasti 
cally  given.  (It  proved  to  be  Port  Royal,  not  Fort 
Sumter.) 

NOV.  13.  A  large  box  of  blankets  received  from  lacty  friends  of 
Boston,  under  direction  of  Mrs.  Harrison  Gray  Otis. 
Most  of  them  were  moth-eaten  and  rotten,  however,  a 
fact  unknown  to  the  generous  donors,  and  the  next  morn 
ing  were  found  in  shreds. 

NOV.  16.        One  of  the  men  heard  singing,  — 

"  We're  all  shaking,  shake,  shake,  shaking,"  etc. 

The  pickets  were  busy  repelling  an  assault  b}T  river-rats. 
NOV.  17.        Sunday  inspection.      Divine  service.     Gov.  Andrew's 

Thanksgiving  Proclamation  read. 
NOV.  is.        Waiting  for  paymaster. 
NOV.  19.        Brigade  reviewed  by  Gen.  Abercrombie.    The  regiment 

wore  its  new  uniform  for  the  first  time. 
NOV.  20.        Paymaster  came. 
NOV.  21.        Thanksgiving  Day.     Bill  of  fare  consisted  of  turkey, 

chicken,  vegetables,  pies  and  puddings,  for  most  of  which 

we  were  indebted  to  good  friends  at  home. 
NOV.  23.        Lieut.  Cook  and  twelve   men  sent  to  Darnestown,  to 

picket  the  fork  of  the  road  leading  to  Poolesville  and 

Frederick.      Orders  were  to  stop  all  suspicious  persons 

and  all  teams,  confiscating  all  liquors  found.     Went  on 

duty  at  eight  P.M.,  relieving  a  detachment  from  Thirteenth 

Penns}7lvania. 
NOV.  24.        Snow-storm.      Lieut.  Cook's  party  returned  to  camp. 

Glimpses  of  what  were  supposed  to  be  reb  cavalry  were 

seen  across  the  river. 
NOV.  28.        Maryland  Thanksgiving  Day.     Rumor  that   in   a  few 

days  the  regiment  was  to  go  to  Frederick.     Company  B 

was  sent  out  to  repair  roads.     Cold. 


34  THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 

1861.  At  five  AeM>  received  orders  to  move.  At  ten  A.M. 
marched  through  Dawsonville  to  Barnestown,  where  the 
regiment  bivouacked.  Com  pan}'  E  was  left  behind  on 
picket. 

NOV.  so.  Reveille  at  four  o'clock.  At  daylight  marched  through 
Barnestown  to  Monocacy  Bridge.  Bivouacked  at  '"Camp 
near  Buckeye." 

Dec.  2.          Marched  to  within  one  mile  of  Frederick,  and  halted. 

Dec.  3.  Lieut. -Col.  Bryan  in  command.  Recrossed  the  Mono 
cacy  at  a  "  double-quick,"  and  halted  at  camp  of  Second 
Massachusetts.  Company  B,  with  men  from  other  com 
panies,  was  sent  to  bridge  the  creek  with  fence-rails.  The 
regiment  then  crossed  the  creek,  and  marched  eight  miles 
along  the  Monocacy.  Halted  for  breakfast.  Bivouacked 
on  south  side  of  a  hill,  near  Frederick  and  Baltimore  turn 
pike. 

Dec.  4.          Company  E  rejoined  regiment. 

Dec.  7.  Lumber  arrived  for  winter  quarters,  purchased  with 
"  compan}*-  funds  ;  "  said  funds  being  money  paid  us  by 
the  government  for  rations  issued,  but  not  eaten.  Numer 
ous  applications  were  made  for  passes  to  Frederick,  about 
twenty  men  obtaining  them. 

Dec.  8-9.       Camp  thronged  with  visitors.     Mail  came. 

Dec.  10.         Very  hot. 

Dec.  11.         Windy. 

Dec.  12.         Building  winter  quarters. 

DOC.  14.        Battalion  drill  (first  time  for  several  weeks) . 

Dec.  is.  After  inspection  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts  and  Six 
teenth  Indiana  passed  in  review  before  Gen.  Abercrombie. 

Dec.  16.  First  brigade  reviewed  b}*  Gen.  Abercrombie  and  Gen. 
Banks.  On  returning  to  camp,  at  six  P.M.,  found  winter 
overcoats  had  arrived. 

Dec.  17.  Overcoats  distributed;  and,  in  evening,  quarters  were 
dedicated  by  a  dance. 

Dec. 20.  A  regular  New-England  snow-storm.  The  "home 
made  pastry,"  brought  into  camp  by  hucksters,  elicited 
the  comment  from  one  man,  that,  "  If  we  should  eat  these 
pies  for  several  weeks  we  should  be  bullet-proof,  —  a 
whole  regiment  of  Johnnies  could  not  harm  us." 

One  evening  a  wagoner  rushed  into  quarters  with  a  pie 


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THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  35 

1861.  jn  one  hand  and  a  saw  in  the  other,  declaring  that  half  an 
hour's  hard  work  had  made  no  impression. 

Dec. 21.         in  the  evening  were  favored  with  a  "  negro  concert." 
Dec.  27.         Lieut.  Pratt,  with  details  from  Companies  I)  and  H, 
was  sent   to   perform   guard-duty  at  Monocacy  Bridge. 
They  found  a  man  who  had  belonged  to  a  company  which 
aided  in  suppressing  the  John  Brown  insurrection. 

1862.  Clear  and  cool. 

Jan.  1.  „ 

Jan.  4.  SnOW' 

Jan.  5.  Mild. 

Jan.  e.  Orders  to  cook  two  dajV  rations,  and  be  read}*  to  move 
at  a  moment's  notice. 

Jan.  10.  Quarters  were  inspected  by  Lieut. -Col.  Bryan  and  Sur 
geon  Baxter. 

Jan.  u.  Regiment  turned  out  to  "police  camp."  Each  com 
pany  busy  building  houses  for  its  cooks. 

Jan.  16.  Capt.  Bees  visited  camp,  and  "the  band  played"  at 
evening  dress-parade. 

Jan.  17.  Rain,  snow,  hail,  and  sleet.  The  men  were  "as  those 
who  stand  on  slippery  places." 

Jan.  is.         Friends  from  Massachusetts  visited  camp. 

Jan.  19.         Preaching  and  rain. 

Jan.  20.  Orders  to  pack  knapsacks  with  one  change  of  clothing, 
and  be  ready  to  start  at  any  time.  Forty  rounds  of  ball- 
cartridge  issued  to  each  man. 

Jan.  22.         Pay-rolls  signed. 

Jan.  23.         Regiment  paid. 

Jan.  24.  Capt.  Bates  left  for  Massachusetts,  to  be  gone  twelve 
days. 

The  band  gave  a  concert  in  Frederick,  which  was  very 
successful,  financially  and  otherwise.  The  audience  was 
large  and  brilliant,  there  being  six  generals  present,  and 
many  distinguished  in  military  and  civil  life.  The  "  bill  " 
and  "programme  "  were  as  follows  :  — 


3G  THE  WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862. 

Jan'24  CONCERT. 


THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT    BAND, 

fHnssadjusctts  Faltmtccrs, 

WILL  GIVE  A 

YOCAL  AND  INSTRUMENTAL  ENTERTAINMENT 

AT  "  JUNIOR  HALL,"  FREDERICK,  MD., 
ON  FRIDAY  EVENING,    JANUARY  24,    1862. 


ON  WHICH  OCCASION   THEY  WILL  APPEAR  AS 

BRASS  BAND,  ORCHESTRA,  SERENADE  CHOIR, 
AND  VOCALISTS. 


Professor  W.  J.  MARTLAND Leader. 

Professor  J.  W.  KENNEDY Musical  Director. 

Vocal  Music  under  the  direction  of         .        .         Mr.  II.  C.  PACKARD. 


PROGRAMME. 
PART  I. 

1.  OVERTURE.    II  Turco  in  Italia Full  Sand. 

2.  POLLACCA.    Arranged  by  Kennedy        ....        Orchestra. 

3.  VOCAL.  "Lake  of  the  Dismal  Swamp."  By  the  Five  Packard  Brothers. 

4.  PAULINEN  POLKA.    Gungl     ......        Orchestra. 

5.  VOCAL.    "  Scatter  the  Gems  of  the  Beautiful."    Trio. 

Packard  Brothers 

6.  GALLOP.    "  Friihlingsgrusse."    Gungl.    Arranged  by  Kennedy. 

Serenade  Choir. 

7.  QUARTET.    From  "  Lucia  di  Lammermoor."  Donizetti.  Full  Band. 

PART  II. 

1.  WALTZES  BY  LABITZKA.    Arranged  by  Kennedy     .        .       Sand. 

2.  VOCAL.   "The  Ocean  Queen."  From  the  Opera  of  "The  Enchantress." 

3.  CAVATINA.    Falstaff Orchestra. 

4.  POLKA.    Arranged  by  Kennedy        ....  Serenade  Choir. 

5.  VIOLIN  SOLO J>  W.  Kennedy. 

6.  DRUM  SOLO Guillaume  Du  Bois. 

(For  30  years  a  Drummer  in  the  French  service,  now  connected  with  this  Band.) 

7.  VOCAL.    "  The  Husband  who  UPCB  Tobacco." 

8.  POTPOURRI.    Favorite  Airs,  commencing  with  Alt-Horn  Solo. 

By  T.  M.  Packard. 

CARDS  OF  ADMISSION,  50  CENTS. 
(Reserved  seats,  50  cents  additional,  which  must  be  secured  previous  to 

opening  the  doors.) 

&jf  For  sale  at  the  Dry  Goods  Store  of  G.  Joseph  Doll,  X.  Market 
Street,  near  the  hall,  and  at  the  door. 

&$*  Doors  open  at  7  o'clock.     Performance  to  commence  at  8  o'clock. 

[Printed  by  Schley,  Ilaller,  &  Co.,  Examiner  Presses,  Frederick,  Md.] 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  37 

1862.        Has  stormed  since  evening  of  the  16th.     In  the  even- 

jan.  26.    ^  gome  of  ^Q  men  na(j  a  dance  in  their  quarters. 

Jan.  27.  Clear  and  cold.  Morning  inspection  and  religious  exer 
cises. 

Jan.  28.  Camp  overrun  with  peddlers.  Photographic  fever  raged 
high,  nearly  every  one  having  his  "  picture  taken." 
Heavy  snow-storm. 

Jan.  29.         Newspapers  came. 

Jan.  so.         Boxes  from  friends  at  home  arrived. 

Feb.  5.          The  first  fine  day  in  the  month. 

Feb.  6.  News  of  capture  of  Fort  Henry.  At  evening  a  party 
went  to  a  dance  in  Frederick.  They  wore  paper  collars  ; 
and,  when  returned  to  camp,  a  wag  collected  these  dust}^, 
soiled,  discarded  articles  of  neck-gear,  and  sent  them  to 
the  laundry.  At  noon  the  next  day  the  washerwoman's 
husband  came  to  camp  with  the  tale,  that  his  "  t'other  half 
had  washed  one  of  them  collars  all  to  bits,  and  was  afeerd 
to  wash  the  rest." 

"  What  kind  of  soap  did  you  use?  " 
"Bar." 

"  I  told  you  to  use  nothing  but  castile  for  those  collars : 
try  again." 

At  early  dawn  of  Feb.  8  the  man  returned  with  the 
clean  clothes,  but  no  collars.  He  would  not  charge  for 
that  wash,  because  the  collars  were  ruined.  "  But,"  said 
he,  "  I  don't  see  how  on  airth  }*our  Yankee  women  wash 
them  air  things  ;  for  my  ole  woman  did  her  best,  but  she 
couldn't  make  any  kind  of  a  show  at  it :  she  thinks  they 
must  have  been  made  of  powerful  rotten  stuff." 

Feb.  9.  A  raccoon  in  a  tree  caused  much  excitement :  missiles 
having  no  effect,  one  of  the  men  climbed  up,  and  "dis 
lodged  "  him  "  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet." 

Fob.  10.        The  first  out-door  drill  for  a  long  time. 

Feb.  12.        Regimental  drill.     Snow. 

Feb.  is.  Drill  postponed  because  of  mud.  The  band  serenaded 
the  officers'  ladies. 

Feb.  is.  Guard-mounting  at  nine  A.M.  Fine  day.  At  night  a 
negro  named 'Dennis  was  arrested  for  smuggling  whiskey. 
Manufacturing  rubber  rings  from  buttons,  the  prevailing 
mania. 


THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 

News  of  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson.  All  the  bands 
turned  out,  and  played  suitable  music.  Fifteen  men  left 
to  serve  on  gunboats. 

Feb.  19.  Storm  and  mud,  but  good  news  from  Burnside.  Means 
of  Company  D  was  buried  from  the  church  in  Frederick. 

Feb.  20.  No  drill  because  of  the  mud.  Rumors  were  plenty. 
Savannah  had  been  captured  without  firing  a  gun  ;  there 
was  a  strong  union  feeling  among  the  Southern  people  ; 
Jeff  Davis  (who  had  died  in  the  previous  September)  now 
returned  to  life,  was  begging  for  an  armistice :  if  Rumor 
had  an  hundred  tongues,  she  kept  them  all  busy. 

Feb.  21.  Frost}'.  Morning  drill.  Regiment  mending  roads.  Re 
ceived  new  canteens.  Col.  Webster  arrived  from  home. 
Company  H  sent  to  guard  supply- trains.  Regiment  was 
to  do  guard-duty  at  Fort  Lafayette. 

Feb.  22.  Warm  and  disagreeable.  Orders  were  received  from 
Division  Headquarters  for  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts, 
Sixteenth  Indiana,  Sixty-sixth  Pennsylvania,  and  Second 
Massachusetts  to  "fall  into  line  of  march  together,  and 
proceed  to  Frederick,  to  take  part  in  the  celebration  of 
the  anniversary  of  Washington's  birthday."  The  re<n- 
rnent  reached  Frederick  at  noon  :  bells  were  ringing,  can 
non  pealing,  the  stars  and  stripes  waving  from  many 
buildings.  Marched  through  the  principal  streets  (includ 
ing  the  one  near  the  college).  When  near  this,  Gens. 
Banks  and  Abercrombie  reviewed  the  column. 

The  First  Maryland  was  presented  with  two  flags. 
Reached  camp  at  3.30,  being  delayed   by  bad   roads, 
where  a  very  fine  sword  was  presented  to  Gen.  Banks. 
Feb.  24.        The  following  order  was  received  :  — 

HEADQUARTERS  FIRST  BRIGADE. 
COL.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 

Sir,  —  The  general  directs  that  you  be  prepared  to  march 
with  your  command  at  one  hour's  notice,  with  three  days' 
cooked  rations  in  haversacks,  cartridge-boxes  filled  with  ammu 
nition,  and  a  full  supply  of  caps.     Report  immediately  the  con 
dition  of  your  command  as  to  arms  and  equipments. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 
Your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  B.  DRAKE,  A.  A.  A.  G. 


THE   FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY. 


39 


1862.  Later  in  the  day  a  supplementary  order  was  received, 
requesting  the  chaplain  to  accompany  the  expedition  as 
aide-de-camp. 

Originally  the  order  was  to  move  at  one  P.M.  ;  but  this 
was  countermanded,  and  four  P.M.  fixed  as  the  hour  of 
starting.  Baggage  was  all  packed,  the  batteries  were  all 
loaded  on  cars  in  the  city,  and  the  regiment  patiently 
waited  further  orders. 

Feb.  25.  Busily  engaged  in  selling  the  log  houses.  At  evening, 
full  dress-parade.  The  band  serenaded  the  colonel,  who 
returned  the  compliment  in  a  graceful  speech. 

Feb.  26.  Still  waiting  orders.  During  the  morning  the  band 
played  at  regimental  headquarters.  Orders  to  march  at 
three  P.M.  were  countermanded  by  orders  to  move  at  day 
break  of  Feb.  27. 

Feb.  27.  Reveille  at  four  A.M.  At  six  A.M.  marched  to  Fred 
erick.  At  ten  A.M.  left  Frederick  via  railroad  for  Harp 
er's  Ferry,  arriving  there  at  six  P.M.  Crossed  the  Potomac 
on  pontoon-bridge,  and  reached  Shenandoah  Village  at 
8.30  P.M.  Bivouacked  in  some  old  flour-mills  formerly 
occupied  by  the  rebs.  Suffered  much  from  the  cold. 

Feb.  28.  Reveille  at  sunrise.  Many  of  the  men  visited  Harper's 
Ferry  (now  a  mass  of  ruins) . 

Mar.i.  Cold.  At  twelve  M.  marched  up  Bolivar  Heights, 
through  Charlestown,  passing  the  spot  where  John  Brown 
was  hung,  with  colors  flying,  and  the  band  playing  its  very 
best  music.  Camped  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  outside  of 
Charlestown.  During  the  day  a  man  had  hoisted  a  secesh 
flag  in  the  village  :  some  of  the  inhabitants  objected,  and 
during  the  argument  the  man  was  killed. 

Mar.  2.  Cold.  Snow.  Companies  B  and  K,  with  a  battery, 
went  to  shell  an  old  barn  supposed  to  contain  rebel 
soldiers.  Very  thorough  regimental  inspection.  Company 
A  on  picket.  Five  prisoners  brought  in. 

Mar.  3.  Rainy  and  foggy.  Company  A  still  on  picket,  guarding 
a  battery  on  a  hill  six  miles  from  camp.  Company  G  on 
guard. 

Mar.  4.  Company  II  on  guard  two  miles  from  camp.  Two  com 
panies  of  the  Twelfth  and  a  cavalry  company,  the  whole 
in  charge  of  Lieut.  White,  of  Company  A,  went  nine  miles 


40  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  from  camp,  and  seized  three  hundred  barrels  of  flour. 
Compan}r  F  on  picket,  at  the  Washington  Farm. 

Mar.  5.  Company  A  on  guard.  Company  I  on  picket.  A  great 
abundance  of  mutton  and  poultry. 

Mar.  6.  At  9.30  A.M.  shifted  camp,  the  Second  Massachusetts 
occup3*ing  our  old  camp-ground.  The  new  camp  proved 
but  a  poor  place,  — muddy,  with  water  three-quarters  of 
a  mile  away.  A  load  of  straw  came  for  the  tents. 

Mar.  7.  Long  roll  at  two  A.M.  The  Sixteenth  Indiana  and  Sec 
ond  Massachusetts  marched,  the  Twelfth  remaining  in 
camp.  At  ten  A.M.  the  Second  and  Sixteenth  returned 
with  news  that  the  reb  cavalry  had  captured  four  com 
panies  of  a  Maryland  regiment.  Burns's  brigade  and 
part  of  Van  Allen's  cavalry  are  camped  near  by.  Mail 
came. 

Col.  Webster  received  the  following  :  — 

COL.  WEBSTER:  Sir,  —  I  would  respectfully  call  your  atten 
tion  to  a  fact  which  greatly  concerns  the  health  of  your  regi 
ment.  The  present  position  of  this  camp  I  consider  highly 
detrimental  to  the  health  of  the  men  under  your  command. 
The  ground  is  extremely  damp,  and  the  list  of  sick  in  the 
quarters  is  greater  than  it  has  ever  been  since  the  formation  of 
the  regiment.  I  would,  therefore,  respectfully  recommend  that 
the  location  of  your  camp  be  changed  to  some  healthier  position. 
Respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  H.  BAXTER,  M.D., 
Surgeon  Twelfth  Regiment  Mass.  Vols. 

Col.  Webster  forwarded  this  to  brigade  headquarters, 
with  the  indorsement,  — 

HEADQUARTERS  TWELFTH  MASS. 

Respectfully  referred  to  Gen.   Abercrombie,  with  a  request 
that  the  regiment  may  move  its  camp. 

FLETCHER  WEBSTER, 
Colonel  Twelfth  Mass.  Vols. 
The  reply  came,  — 

HEADQUARTERS  FIRST  BRIGADE. 

Permission  to  move  camp  is  granted.     Col.  Webster  will 
select  a  suitable  site  for  his  camp,  and  report  its  location. 
By  command  of  Gen.  Abercrombie. 

GEO.  B.  DRAKE,  A.  A.  A.  G. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  41 

1862.  Cold,  threatening  snow.  Part  of  Company  II  sent  to 
town  to  guard  ammunition-trains,  relieving  a  detachment 
from  Sixteenth  Indiana.  Capt.  Bates  appointed  provost- 
marshal.  Drill  this  morning,  the  first  for  several  days. 

Mar.  9.          H's  men  relieved  by  squad  from  Second  Massachusetts. 

PAY  RECEIVED    FOR    HOUSES    AT    CAMP   HICKS. 

Original  cost  of  each  house         .                  .         .         .       $31  00 
Each  sold  for 8  25 

During  the  morning  one  of  Company  D's  tents  was 
burned.  Each  sergeant  received  a  sword  from  the  United 
States.  In  afternoon  full-dress  parade,  during  which  one 
of  Company  K's  tents  burned  up. 

Mar.  10.  Reveille  at  2.30  A.M.  Orders  to  move  at  seven  A.M. 
changed  to  ten  A.M.,  when  the  regiment  marched,  leaving 
tents  behind.  At  Ripon  Notch  were  received  with  hearty 
cheers,  a  bevy  of  girls  waving  flags,  etc.  Bivouacked  at 
night  in  the  woods,  Company  I  being  sent  on  picket. 

About  this  time  the  author  of  "  Three  Years  in  Camp 
and  Hospital"  visited  the  regiment.  He  tells  his  story 
thus : — 

"  I  made  a  call  one  morning  011  Company  B,  of  the  Twelfth 
Massachusetts.  The  rain  was  pouring  down,  the  mud  was 
deep,  the  weather  cold,  almost  to  freezing-point,  and  every 
thing  gloomy  indeed.  If  I  had  been  asked  what  motive 
brought  me  here,  what  could  have  been  my  answer  but  a  love  of 
adventure,  and  a  disposition  to  go  to  the  front.  I  was  about  to 
enter  a  tent,  when  my  ears  were  saluted  by  a  stentorian  voice ; 
which,  on  looking  away  some  ten  rods,  I  perceived  came  from  a 
dark-complexioned,  thick-set,  resolute-looking  man  with  a  cap 
tain's  strap  on  his  shoulder. 

"  '  This  way,  sir!  Who  are  you?  This  way,  sir! '  Starting 
for  his  tent,  and  coming  into  his  presence,  touching  my  hat  with 
as  much  military  style  as  my  brief  experience  enabled  me  to 
execute,  I  inquired  of  the  stern  officer  whom  I  had  the  honor 
of  addressing.  '  I  am  the  provost-marshal,  sir,  of  this  depart 
ment;  and  it  is  my  duty  to  arrest  all  unknown  or  suspicious- 
looking  persons.  Now,  what  is  your  name?  and  where  are  you 
from?  and  what  is  your  business?'  Giving  my  name  and 
address,  I  continued,  '  I  furnish  the  army  with  postage -stamps; 
work  in  the  hospitals  when  feeling  like  it ;  and,  when  wanted, 


42  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.     give  free  entertainments  of  singing,  and  lectures  on  temperance, 
Iar<  10'     and  get  my  pay  by  the  sale  of  my  music.* 

"  «  Where  are  the  stamps?  ' 

"  '  Here,  sir,'  opening  a  tin  water-tight  cylinder  that  would 
hold  five  hundred  dollars'  worth. 

"  *  And  do  you  sell  them  at  cost  ?  ' 

"'1  do,  sir.' 

"  '  Are  you  aware  that  there  is  a  penalty  for  selling  postage- 
stamps  above  their  face? ' 

"  4I  am,  sir.' 

"  *  But  why  do  you  carry  them,  if  not  to  make  money  ?  ' 

"  *  To  accommodate  those  who  need  them.' 

"  '  Has  the  government  sent  you  to  the  army  for  this  pur 
pose  ? ' 

"  'No,  sir.' 

"  *  You  have  a  pass,  I  suppose?  ' 

"  'Yes,  sir.' 

u  'Let  me  see  it.' 

"  I  found,  on  searching  my  pockets,  that  I  was  in  the  condi 
tion  of  the  servant  girl  who  had  lost  her  *  charac-ter,'  —  it  was 
not  to  be  found. 

"  '  So,  then,  you  cannot  find  your  pass?  Out  to  the  front, 
with  no  reasonable  business,  and  without  a  pass;  looks,  to  say 
the  least,  rather  suspicious.  Your  disinterested  kindness  is  of 
a  pattern  we  are  not  accustomed  to.  I  shall  be  under  the  neces 
sity  of  presenting  your  case  to  the  general  in  command. ' 

"  '  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  make  his  acquaintance,  if  he  is 
a  gentleman ;  and  of  course  he  is. ' 

"  The  provost  had  attempted  to  frighten  me  by  a  loud,  sharp 
voice,  and  an  imperious  but  unnatural  manner,  the  reason  for 
which  was  not  understood  at  the  time.  1  found  afterwards  that 
this  was  the  method  used  to  disconcert  men  arrested  as  spies. 
I  took  the  liberty  to  tell  him  that  such  harsh  words  were  not 
necessary;  that  they  made  me  uncomfortable,  and  did  no  good; 
and  wished  he  would  take  me  to  the  general  as  soon  as  possible. 
A  short  walk  to  an  old  building  brought  me  into  the  presence 
of  Gen.  Abercrombie,  a  small,  gray-haired  man,  sixty  years  of 
age,  erect  as  a  well-disciplined  soldier  at  dress-parade,  voice 
soft,  and  sweet  as  a  woman's,  manners  uncommonly  affable,  but 
with  an  eye  that  took  in  the  character  of  the  person  scrutinized 
at  a  glance. 

«'  '  General,'  said  the  provost,  '  I  have  arrested  this  man  as  a 
suspicious  character.  He  seems  to  have  no  legitimate  business, 
and  is  without  a  pass.  I  submit  him  to  you.' 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  43 

1862.          «  With  great  pleasantness  of  word  and  manner,  he  asked  me 

[ar.  10.     mv  reagon  £or  visiting  that  out-post  of  the  army,  saying  that  it 

seemed  very  extraordinary  indeed  to  find  a  civilian  from  the 

North  there.     I  gave  him  the  same  story  previously  told  to 

Capt.  Bates. 

"  *  Why  are  you  without  a  pass  V  ' 

"  *  I  left  it  by  mistake  with  other  papers  in  the  Fourth  New 
Jersey,  Kearny's  brigade.' 

"  After  putting  every  question  he  could  think  of  that  would 
serve  to  enlighten  him  as  to  my  character,  he  said,  — 

"'You  appear  to  be  a  Northern  man;  your  answers  are 
frank;  there  is  one  bad  feature  in  your  case,  —  I  can't  under 
stand  why  you  are  here;  and,  as  you  have  no  pass,  I  think  that 
I  must  detain  you  until  we  can  ascertain  more  about  you.' 

"  '  General,  with  your  permission,  I  would  like  to  sing  you  a 
song  ' 

"  Staring  at  me  a  moment,  with  a  look  that  indicated  both 
astonishment  and  amusement,  he  replied,  — 

"  *  We  will  hear  you  with  pleasure.     Proceed.' 

"  I  struck  up  my  song,  which  was  then  new,  '  We're  March 
ing  down  to  Dixie's  Land.' 

"  I  had  sung  but  one  stanza,  when  Capt.  Bates  interrupted 
by  asking  if  he  could  see  the  music. 

"  'Yes,  sir:  here  it  is.' 

'*  *  Adjutant,  this  way,  please.  You  take  the  tenor,  I  will 
sing  the  bass,  and  this  man  will  sing  the  air.  Repeat  the  first 
stanza.  All  right.  Proceed.' 

"  And  the  concert  commenced.  The  captain,  who  had  a  fine 
bass  voice,  became  exceedingly  interested;  and  the  adjutant 
made  his  sweet  tenor  very  prominent.  The  first  stanza  went 
off  quite  well;  the  second  much  better;  the  third  brought  the 
general  to  a  laugh,  and  a  clapping  of  hands ;  and  we  had  to  re 
peat  it.  The  general  rose  to  his  feet;  and,  seeing  that  I  had 
him  on  my  side,  I  forgot  that  I  was  under  arrest:  I  seemed  to  be 
singing  at  a  grand  concert,  and  felt  myself  the  most  important 
personage  in  the  crowd.  The  song  concluded,  the  general  gave 
me  his  hand  most  cordially.  Turning  to  Capt.  Bates,  he 
said,  — 

"  '  You  may  furnish  this  man  with  a  pass.' 

*'  Right  here  as  well  as  elsewhere  I  may  say  that  the  army 
had  no  better  officer  than  Capt.  Bates.  He  was  promoted  to 
the  command  of  the  regiment,  and  was  one  of  the  fighting 
men  of  the  army.  Both  he  and  his  men  made  a  most  noble 
record." 


44  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  Fine.  The  Second  New  York  State  Militia  passed  en 
route  from  Bolivar.  Company  F  relieved  II  from  picket. 
News  received  of  the  "  Merrimack "  and  "Monitor" 
battle  in  Hampton  Roads. 

Mar.  12.  Received  confirmation  of  report  of  evacuation  of  Ma- 
nassas,  with  rumor  that  McClcilan  occupied  the  place. 
While  the  regiment  was  drilling,  a  battery  fired  a  salute  of 
thirty-two  guns,  by  order  of  Gen.  Banks.  Marched  at 
sunset,  the  regiment  leading  the  brigade.  Passed  through 
Berry ville,  and  bivouacked  within  two  miles  of  Winches 
ter,  on  ground  held  by  the  rebs  twenty-four  hours  previously. 
Mar.  is.  Reveille  very  early.  Wagons  arrived  at  nine  A.M.,  also 
the  sutler,  Mr.  Gage.  During  the  morning  shifted  camp 
to  opposite  side  of  the  road.  The  regiment  passed  the 
day  in  hunting  for  relics. 

Mar.  14.  Warm  and  foggy.  Two  batteries  passed  camp.  Some 
deserters  from  Jackson's  command  were  brought  into 
town.  Two  were  in  uniform,  the  remainder  were  dressed 
"  promiscuous." 

Winchester  seemed  to  be  a  very  ordinary  city.  It  had 
a  few  fine  modern-built  dwelling-houses,  and  a  few  public 
buildings  ;  several  churches,  two  belonging  to  the  colored 
people  ;  and  four  empty  banks.  Of  the  two  printing- 
offices,  one  was  occupied  by  a.  company  of  the  Thirteenth 
Massachusetts,  which  likewise  held  the  court-house.  The 
stores  were  deserted,  and  the  place  filled  with  soldiers. 
It  was  a  city  of  about  four  thousand  inhabitants. 
Mar.  15.  Raining  hard.  Van  Allen's  cavalry  passed.  Heavy 
firing  in  direction  of  Manassas.  This  proved  to  be  a 
skirmish  between  part  of  Ashby's  cavalry,  a  small  body 
of  infantry  and  a  battery,  while  on  the  Union  side  were 
four  companies  of  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  and  five 
field-pieces.  The  rebs  were  repulsed.  Thirteen  reb  sol 
diers  gave  themselves  up,  being  tired  of  secession.  The 
Fourth  Ohio  passed  on  its  way  to  Berry  ville.  Company 
K  on  guard. 

Mar  16  Windy  and  cold.  News  of  capture  of  New  Madrid. 
Companies  A,  E,  G,  I,  marched  to  the  Shenandoah  to 
build  and  guard  a  bridge  which  had  been  destroyed. 
Company  II  on  patrol.  Mail  at  night. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  45 

1862.  Windy.  Some  of  the  regiment  visited  the  Medical  Col 
lege  at  Winchester,  being  much  interested  in  the  skele 
tons,  some  of  which  were  said  to  be  of  members  of  John 
Brown's  party.  One  skeleton  of  a  negro  boy  had  evi 
dently  been  left  in  great  haste  by  the  reb  doctors,  for  it 
was  partly  dissected.  Another,  brought  into  camp,  was 
sent  home  by  an  officer.  The  signal  for  the  night  was 
red  and  white. 

Mar.  is.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Firing  heard  in  direction  of 
Strasburg. 

Mar.  19.  Cold  and  wind}'.  News  of  capture  of  Island  No.  10 
proved  bogus.  The  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  and  Ninth 
New  York  joined  the  brigade.  Signal  for  night  green 
and  white.  Snowed  all  night. 

Mar.  21.  At  twelve  M.  marched.  After  a  short  distance,  halted 
to  inspect  a  wagon  with  secesh  prisoners.  After  some 
chat,  proceeded.  Forded  a  stream  about  knee-deep.  At 
six  P.M.  pitched  tents  at  Berryville.  This  was  the  first 
time  the  new  brigade  marched  together. 

Mar. 22.  Cold  and  stormy.  Marched  at  nine  A.M.,  Michigan 
cavalry  leading,  then  Thompson's  Battery,  Ninth  New 
York,  and  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  the  Twelfth  bring 
ing  up  the  rear.  Crossed  the  Shenandoah  at  Sniekersville 
Ferry,  marched  three  miles,  and  camped  for  the  night. 

Mar. 23.  Marched  at  7.30  A.M.,  crossed  the  mountain-range,  and 
camped  one  mile  bej'ond  Philmont. 

While  passing  through  Philmont,  a  woman  solaced  her 
self  with  making  grimaces  at  the  color-company ;  and 
another  extended  like  courtesies  to  the  entire  regiment. 
To  this  latter  the  colonel  made  a  most  profound  bow. 

Mar.  24.  Mild  and  spring-like.  During  the  morning  a  man  in 
the  Sixteenth  Indiana  was  burned  to  death.  At  five  A.M. 
started  back  for  Winchester.  Passed  through  Aldie,  the 
Twelfth  Indiana  leading  the  brigade  ;  through  Sniekers 
ville  and  the  Gap,  bivouacking  in  the  valley  near  the 
Shenandoah  River.  Many  of  the  men  were  shoeless. 

General  Order  No.  102  (Army  of  the  Potomac)  received, 
which  designates  the  flags  to  be  carried  by  corps,  divis 
ions,  and  brigades.  The  Twelfth  was  now  in  second 
division  and  second  brigade.  Our  division  flag  blue,  six 


46  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1862.  fec£  long  and  five  wide.  Our  brigade  flag  white,  blue  and 
white,  six  feet  long  and  five  wide,  vertical. 

Mar.  25.  Marched  at  seven  A.M.  After  travelling  a  mile,  halted 
while  a  bridge  was  being  repaired.  Crossing  the  bridge, 
the  head  of  the  column  met  Gen.  Abercrombie,  who 
ordered  it  in  the  direction  of  Manassas.  Recrossing  the 
bridge,  the  regiment  climbed  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  bivou 
acked. 

Mar.  26.  Marched  at  eight  A.M.  Reached  Goose  Creek  at  four 
P.M.  and  camped.  Turned  out  by  a  report  that  the  enemy 
were  two  miles  away,  but,  it  proving  false  news,  turned  in 
again.  During  this  day  the  cavalry  caught  a  man  taking 
the  nuts  from  a  bridge  the  troops  were  to  pass  over. 

Mar.  27.  Mild  and  pleasant.  The  Twelfth  Indiana  and  Thir 
teenth  Massachusetts  sent  out  reconnoitring.  A  four 
hours'  search  showing  nothing,  they  returned  to  camp. 
Large  numbers  of  reb  scouts  were  said  to  be  in  the  vicin- 

ity. 

Mar.  28.  Crossed  Goose  Creek  at  eight  A.M.  Captured  a  wagon 
containing  a  reb  captain  and  two  swords.  Passed  Aldie, 
searching  another  wagon  and  a  house,  but  found  nothing 
of  importance.  Camped  near  Cub  Run,  three  miles  from 
Centreville. 

Mar.  29.  Fine.  Marched  at  ten  A.M.,  reaching  Centreville  at 
12.30  P.M.  Halting  here,  the  men  inspected  the  place, 
stumbling  on  a  deserted  reb  camp,  where  dead  horses 
and  broken  wagons  were  lying  around  in  great  plenty. 
The  town  seemed  to  be  thoroughly  fortified  with  very 
strong  and  well-built  earthworks.  The  one  church  was  a 
shapeless  ruin,  and  the  town  itself  was  evidently  "  played 
out." 

Resuming  the  march,  the  regiment  journeyed  toward 
Bull  Run,  passing  some  reb  quarters  evacuated  only  three 
days  before,  and  camping  at  three  P.M.  in  the  huts  for 
merly  occupied  by  the  "  Arkansas  Travellers."  Snowed 
and  hailed  during  the  da}*. 

Immediately  on  going  into  camp,  the  relic-hunters  sal 
lied  forth,  and  were  busily  engaged  in  investigating  the 
old  Bull-Run  battle-field. 

Mar.  so.        The  stormv  weather  of  the  30th  did  not  deter  these  en- 


THE  FIRST   YEAR'S  DUTY.  47 

1862.  thusiasts,  as  they  prowled  by  bush  and  stream  searching 
for  souvenirs.  One  of  the  regiment  wrote  to  a  friend  as 
follows  :  — 

"  While  visiting  the  battle-ground,  we  saw  the  last  resting- 
places  of  many  of  the  brave  men  who  fell  on  that  memorable 
day  while  fighting  for  the  flag  which  we  have  also  sworn  to  de 
fend.  How  many  of  us  will  fall  in  like  manner  is  the  thought 
which  occurred  to  the  rninds  doubtless  of  many  who  were  here 
to-day,  taking  a  farewell  glance  at  the  last  remains  of  these 
heroic  fellows.  We  slowly  and  sadly  retraced  our  steps  to  the 
camp,  many  of  us  muttering  deep  and  bitter  curses  on  the 
heads  of  those  who  had  caused  this  unhallowed  war.  From 
Bull  Run  we  proceeded  to  Manassas;  and,  if  any  one  needed 
proof  of  the  blighting  effects  of  secession  in  the  Old  Dominion, 
they  need  but  to  go  to  this  place  and  witness  the  scenes  of  deso 
lation  there  presented.  I  could  but  feel,  what  poor,  deluded 
mortals!  Will  they  ever  see  the  right,  and  confess  the  error  of 
their  ways,  and  return  penitently  to  this  glorious  Union,  which 
with  so  much  ignorance  they  have  tried  to  destroy?  "  1 

Mar.  31.  At  four  P.M.  crossed  Bull  Run  on  an  old,  rickety  bridge, 
and,  after  floundering  over  a  log  road,  halted  at  eight  P.M., 
mudd}'  and  tired,  in  a  bog-hole  near  Manassas  Junction. 
Dry  land  was  scarce,  twelve  men  being  packed  in  a  shed 
seven  and  a  half  by  ten  feet.  Water  was  only  one-quar 
ter  of  a  mile  away,  provided  one  could  keep  out  of  the 
bog-holes  which  la}'  in  the  path. 

April  i  At  four  P.M.  inarched  four  miles  up  the  Warrington 
Railroad.  Camp  "but  a  slight  improvement  on  preceding 
night. 

April  2.  Pleasant  day.  At  eight  A.M.  marched  along  Warrenton 
and  Alexandria  Railroad,  crossing  Broad  Run  on  loose 
boards  and  a  fallen  tree.  After  passing  Cedar  Run,  found 
the  railroad  prett}T  thoroughly  demolished  ;  the  sleepers 
being  burned,  and  the  rails  turned  into  "Jeff  Davis  cra 
vats."  Met  the  Sixty-sixth  Pennsylvania. 

Aprils.  Warm.  Teams  arrived  at  3.30  P.M.  The  Sevent}r- 
third  Pennsylvania  had  seized  two  hundred  head  of  cattle, 
and  given  three  of  the  largest  to  the  Twelfth  Massachu- 

1  These  words  were  written  by  a  member  of  Company  K,  who  was  killed  at 
the  Second  Hull  Hun,  near  the  very  spot  he  had  visited. 


48  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  sctts.  Rumor  of  a  skirmish  between  Ashby's  cavalry  and 
the  advance  of  Banks' s  division. 

April 4.  Compan}^  F  on  picket.  Geary's  brigade  camped  on 
the  other  side  of  Cedar  Run.  Company  H  of  the  Twelfth 
detailed  as  provost  at  Gen.  Abercrombie's  headquarters. 
Report  afoot  that  a  foraging-party  near  camp  had  been  at 
tacked.  Workmen  busy  cutting  sleepers  for  the  railroad. 

Aprils.         Rainy.     No  mail. 

April  e.  Pleasant  day.  First  religious  services  for  a  long  while. 
Shifted  camp.  Mail  arrived.  Guard  arrested  a  "  Black- 
Horse  ' '  caval^man  and  a  reb  spy. 

April  7.  Snow.  One  compan}r  from  each  regiment  sent  on  scout- 
duty.  Company  K  represented  the  Twelfth. 

April  s.  Cold  and  rainy.  Orders  received  at  brigade  headquar 
ters  for  a  salute  of  thirty  guns  in  honor  of  the  capture  of 
Island  No.  10.  Mud  above  par,  and  steadily  rising. 

April  9.         Rainy.     Neither  mail  nor  provisions. 

April  10.  Clear.  Capt.  Bates,  in  command,  with  eleven  hundred 
cavalry,  went  on  an  expedition  to  Warrenton.  Rations 
arrived  at  five  P.M. 

April  11.  Fine.  Papers  for  sale,  ten  cents  each.  Mail  came. 
Company  F  on  picket. 

April  12.       Warm. 

April  is.  Cloudy.  Rumor  of  evacuation  of  Yorktown.  Gen.Buell 
and  staff,  with  three  hundred  cavalry  as  body-guard, 
called  at  Gen.  Abercrombie's  headquarters.  Heavy  firing 
heard  all  day. 

April  u.       Brigade  reviewed  by  Gen.  Abercrombie. 

April  15.       Rain}'.     Papers  received. 

April  16.  Pleasant.  Fifteen  men  were  sent  to  arrest  some  team 
sters  who  had  refused  duty.  (The  teamsters  "  recon 
sidered  "  their  refusal.)  Capt.  Bates,  with  a  squad  of 
cavalry,  out  scouting.  About  six  miles  from  camp  they 
captured  a  drove  of  mules. 

April  17.  Shifted  camp.  Sergeant  Garey  of  Company  II  left  for 
Washington  with  the  mail. 

April  is.  12.30  A.M.  Seven  companies' of  the  Twelfth  Massa 
chusetts,  five  companies  of  Sixteenth  Indiana,  five  com 
panies  of  Ninth  New  York,  with  artillery  and  cavalry, 
silently  marched  from  camp.  At  8.30  A.M.  reached  the 


THE  FIRST   YEAR'S  DUTY.  49 

1862.  Rappahannock,  and  opened  on  the  enemy's  lines  with  ar- 
tilleiy.  The  rehs  were  busy  with  the  ceremony  of  "guard- 
mounting;"  but  they  speedily  waived  ceremony,  and 
replied  to  the  cannonade.  Our  fire  proved  effective  ;  for 
the  enemy  withdrew,  and  left  the  Union  troops  masters  of 
the  situation.  Whereupon  the  "boys  in  blue  "  returned 
to  camp.  This  was  the  first  time  that  any  part  of  the 
regiment  had  either  fired  or  received  a  hostile  shot. 

April  19.       Rain.     Paid  off. 

April  20.  The  birthday  of  several  of  the  companies.  The  recon- 
noissance  of  the  18th  had  inflicted  a  loss  to  the  enemy  of 
four  killed  and  seven  wounded.  So  said  Rumor.  Gen. 
McCall,  with  a  large  force,  was  said  to  be  near. 

April  21.  Cold  and  stormy.  Some  negroes  came  into  camp,  each 
leading  a  fine  horse,  and  offering  it  to  the  colonel  as  a 
present  "  to  the  brave  Yankee  bo}rs  who  were  fighting  for 
their  freedom."  The  gift  was  accepted.  Two  men  found 
in  camp  without  the  countersign  were  arrested. 

April  22.  Fine.  A  party  of  negroes  —  deserters  from  the  Con 
federate  army —  came  into  camp,  desiring  to  enlist.  One 
had  stolen  his  lieutenant's  boots,  which  were  purchased 
by  Lieut.  Pratt ;  he  being  oblivious  of  the  proverb  anent, 
"  the  receiver,"  etc.  Fredericksburg  said  to  be  occupied 
by  Union  troops. 

April  23.       Fine. 

April  24.       Stormy. 

April  25.  Stormy.  Our  ambulances  are  carrying  Blenker's  sick 
to  the  depot. 

April  26.       Fine. 

April  27.  Fine.  Sunday.  Railroad  between  Warrenton  and  the 
Junction  finished.  Another  reb  deserter  came  in.  (This 
time  a  white  man,  born  in  Maine  ;  being  South  at  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  he  enlisted  in  Seventh  Louisiana, 
and  —  left  them.) 

April  28.  Fine.  Two  mails  received,  a  week  old,  but  "  better  late 
than  never." 

April  29.  Stormy.  Sutler  arrived.  Col.  Webster  returned  from 
a  visit  home.  New  Orleans  is  captured,  so  is  Corinth ; 
and  the  rebs  are  "  dusting  "  to  Memphis.  Thus  ran  the 
camp-gossip. 


50  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.        Stormy.     Monthly  inspection.     Sergeant  Gare\r  started 

April  30.     _       _._      _. 

for  Washington  with  the  reb  deserter. 

May  i.  Raining.  Abercrombie  promoted  to  major-general  and 
ordered  to  Yorktown.  Gen.  Hartsuff,  the  new  brigade 
commander,  arrived.  Company  F  on  picket. 

May  2.  Storm}'.  Gen.  Abercrombie  and  Lieut.  Appleton  left 
on  a  special  train  amid  hearty  cheers.  A  furious  thunder 
storm  raged,  accompanied  by  a  tremendous  whirlwind. 
The  damage  was  great.  Tents  were  blown  over,  trees 
uprooted,  teams  landed  in  unaccountable  places,  and  three 
sutler's  wagons  were  blown  into  the  stream. 

Mays.  Fine.  Busy  repairing  after  the  storm.  Gen.  Hartsuff 
visited  the  camp,  making  a  very  favorable  impression. 
Mail  came,  and  news  of  capture  of  Fort  Mason,  and  re 
moval  of  Confederate  Congress  to  Montgomery. 

May  4.  Pleasant.  Lieut.-Col.  Bryan  left  for  Washington  with 
the  pa}'-rolls.  Quartermaster  Wood  and  Capt.  Hichborn 
resigned.  Brigade  guard-mounting  for  the  first  time. 
The  Confederate  arsenal  at  Baton  Rouge  has  been  cap 
tured. 

Mays.  Capt.  Hichborn  started  for  home.  Shifted  camp  to 
near  Cedar  Run.  Gen.  Hartsuff  s  headquarters  in  a  large 
dwelling-house.  Rained. 

May  6.          Fine,  but  a  furious  wind-storm. 

May  7.  Pleasant.  Sergeant  Burrell  with  four  men  took  seven 
prisoners  to  Washington  (captured  at  Culpepper  by  the 
Maine  cavalry).  Confirmation  of  report  of  capture  of 
New  Orleans. 

Mays.          Warm.     Band  mustered  out. 

May  9.  Hot.  Band  left  for  home,  amid  sincere  regrets  of  en 
tire  regiment. 

May  10.  Sergeant  Burrell  and  party  returned  from  Washington. 
u  On  to  Richmond  "  is  now  "  All  the  Rage." 

May  11.         Sunday.     Report  that  the  "  Merrimack  "  has  sunk. 

May  12.  Fine.  Struck  tents  at  eleven  A.M.,  marched  at  one 
P.M.  Company  H  of  Twelfth  Massachusetts,  and  Com 
pany  I  of  Maine  cavalry  as  body-guard  to  Gen.  Hartsuff, 
followed  by  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  and  Twelfth 
Massachusetts,  with  Maine  cavalry  and  Thompson's  bat 
tery  in  the  rear.  Camped  five  miles  beyond  Weaversville. 
The  regiment  suffered  greatly  from  the  heat. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  51 

1862.  Reveille  at  4.30  A.M.,  "general"  at  5.30  A.M.  At  six 
A.M.  marched.  Seven  men  were  sunstruck  ;  and  a  pris 
oner  availed  himself  of  the  general  listlessness,  and  de 
parted.  Camped  eight  miles  from  the  Rappahannock. 

May  u.  Rain}\  Reveille  at  5.30  A.M.  Marched  two  miles  be 
yond  Falmouth,  and  camped  between  Gen.  King's  and 
Gen.  Ricketts's  headquarters. 

May  is.         Rainy. 

May  16.  Fine.  Mail.  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  joined  the  bri 
gade. 

May  17.  Warm.  Shifted  camp  two  miles  to  rear.  Living  in 
clover. 

May  is.  Sunday.  Rumor  that  rebs  sent  a  flag  of  tiuce  into 
Fredericksburg,  ordering  McDowell  to  vacate  in  eighteen 
hours  or  suffer  the  consequences.  Notified  that  hence 
forth  no  tents  will  be  carried  for  the  men. 

May  19.  Unpleasant  day.  Overcoats  were  packed  for  storage. 
Division  review  at  four  P.M.  The  guard  arrested  and 
handcuffed  a  man,  who,  if  not  crazy,  was  perfect  in 
feigning  insanity. 

May  20.  Warm.  In  Ord's  division.  Teams  taken  away,  one 
onhT  being  left  for  headquarters.  Orders  for  the  brigade 
to  practise  marching  every  day  with  knapsacks  and  equip 
ments.  Distance  to  be  three  .  miles.  A  herd  of  cattle 
driven  into  camp  for  use  of  the  brigade. 

May  21.  Warm  da}\  Began  knapsack-drill,  as  per  order  of  20th. 
The  "  shelter-tents  "  arrived. 

May  22.  Pleasant.  Large  tent  pitched  at  headquarters  to  hold 
court-martial  in.  Slight  thunder-shower  in  morning. 

May 23.  Division  reviewed  by  President  Lincoln,  Secretary  of 
War  Stanton,  Gen.  McDowell,  and  the  French  minister. 
A  regiment  of  cavalry  acted  as  body-guard  for  the  Presi 
dent. 

May  24.         Warm.     Pitched  the  shelter-tents. 

May 25.  Packed  up  at  two  P.M.,  marched  at  three  P.M.  The 
troops  were  on  their  way  to  the  Shenandoah  Valley  to 
look  after  Jackson,  who  had  driven  Banks  back  across  the 
Potomac.  After  travelling  three  miles,  halted  to  let  the 
Eighty-eighth  Pennsj'lvania  pass.  Bivouacked  on  a  reb 
camp-ground  one  and  one-half  miles  from  Aquia  Creek. 


52 


THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 


May626.'  Warm.  At  eight  A.M.  marched  to  Aquia  Landing. 
After  shipping  the  baggage,  the  regiment  embarked  on 
the  "Vanderbilt"  and  "  South  America."  About  half 
a  mile  out,  the  "  South  America  "  broke  down,  and  trans 
ferred  her  passengers  to  the  "  Vanderbilt ;  "  which,  after 
a  voyage  of  twelve  miles,  got  hopelessly  stuck  in  the  mud. 
(It  was,  of  course,  supposed  the  pilot  did  it  on  pur 
pose.) 

May 27.  A  tug-boat  came  to  relieve  the  "Vanderbilt."  The 
Ninth  New  York  were  put  on  board  the  "  Nantasket,"  the 
Twelfth  Massachusetts  being  transferred  to  the  "  Par- 
thenia."  Another  tug-boat  arrived  with  provisions.  At 
eleven  A.M.  reached  Alexandria,  and  disembarked.  Col. 
Webster  gave  each  man  a  loaf  of  bread,  which  served  for 
both  dinner  and  supper.  During  the  afternoon  the  men 
visited  the  points  of  interest  in  the  place,  not  forgetting 
the  Marshall  House,  where  Ellsworth  was  killed.  At  nine 
P.M.  took  cars,  and  waited.  At  twelve  P.M.  train  left  the 
depot. 

May  28.  At  Manassas  Junction.  Marched  a  mile,  and  camped 
eleven  miles  from  Warrenton. 

May 29.  Reveille  at  three  A.M.,  five  A.M.  marched.  Passed 
through  Gainesville  to  Upmarket,  where,  after  a  short 
halt,  cars  were  taken.  After  a  ride  of  five  miles,  the 
brigade  left  the  cars,  and  marched  through  Thoroughfare 
Gap,  halting  beside  Ricketts's  brigade,  on  camp  formerly 
occupied  by  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  New  York. 
While  passing  through  Ha3*market  the  bands  played  patri 
otic  airs,  whereat  the  ladies  were  much  provoked.  At 
evening,  orders  to  march  again  were  received ;  but  Gen. 
Hartsuff  succeeded  in  having  them  postponed. 

May  so.  Reveille  at  four  A.M.  Company  H  sent  on  ahead  to 
post  guards  on  houses,  etc.  At  4.30  marched.  Passed 
through  White  Plains  and  Salem.  Camped  in  Piedmont 
Gap,  three  miles  from  Salem. 

Orel's  division  numbers  fifteen  thousand  men,  and  con 
sists  of  the  brigades  of  Ricketts,  Hartsuff,  Dur}*ea,  four 
batteries  (twenty-four  guns),  two  cavalry  regiments. 
Quite  a  severe  thunder-storm  during  the  day :  the  regi 
ment  "  took  to  the  woods  "  while  it  lasted.  Capt.  Bates 
arrested  some  of  Duryea's  brigade  for  killing  sheep. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  53 

1862.  Reveille  at  three  A.M.,  marched  at  five  A.M.  Halted  at 
Piedmont  Station,  and  received  orders  to  leave  knapsacks, 
taking  blankets  and  three  days'  rations.  Halted  at  Hack- 
urn's  Station  for  breakfast.  Then  marched  through  Ma- 
nassas  Gap,  and  camped  in  a  pine-grove  one  mile  from 
Front  Royal.  Rained.  Part  of  the  road  ran  along  a 
precipice  fifty  or  sixty  feet  high,  called  "  Dismal  Hollow," 
and  was  travelled  by  the  regiment  after  dark.  The  road 
all  the  way  was  an  exceedingly  poor  sample  of  a  very 
poor  Southern  highway. 

June  i.  Sunday.  Reveille  at  six  A.M.  In  the  afternoon  marched 
two  miles  down  the  railroad,  and  halted  at  Front  Royal, 
waiting  orders.  Rained.  Pitched  tents.  Twenty-five 
thousand  troops  passed,  on  the  way  to  "  cut  off"  Jackson. 
Any  quantity  of  rumors. 

June  2.  Warm.  Firing  heard  to  the  westward.  At  eight  A.M. 
a  deserter  from  Jackson's  command  came  into  camp.  He 
had  left  Jackson  at  one  A.M.,  and  said  that  on  Sunday 
Jackson's  troops  had  been  in  line  of  battle  all  day,  five 
miles  from  the  position  we  had  then  occupied.  At  twelve 
M.  marched  to  Sulphur  Springs,  between  Front  Royal 
and  Strasburg :  the  men  all  c '  drank  of  the  healing  wa 
ters." 

Junes.  Warm  and  "muggy."  Marched  at  seven  A.M.,  trav 
elled  four  miles,  and  pitched  tents  in  a  grove  near  Bucks- 
ton.  Drew  three  days'  rations  of  fresh  meat,  —  "only 
this  and  nothing  more."  Part  of  the  regiment  guarding 
prisoners,  who  were  constantly  arriving  with  fresh  ru 
mors. 

June  4.  Rain}-.  At  eleven  A.M.  marched,  reaching  Front  Royal 
at  five  P.M.  Mail  came.  A  freshet  carried  away  the 
bridges. 

June  5.  Warm.  In  the  afternoon  knapsacks  arrived.  Seven 
or  eight  of  the  men  killed  and  dressed  a  lot  of  sheep  for 
the  use  of  the  regiment. 

June  6.  Sergeant  Brown  of  Company  A,  and  two  of  the  Maine 
cavalry,  were  drowned  in  the  North  Fork  of  the  Shenan- 
doah  by  boat  capsizing.  Jackson's  deserter  visited  the 
cit}r  in  company  with  some  of  the  regiment.  The  ladies 
—  supposing  him  a  prisoner  —  were  very  gracious.  In 
the  afternoon  ammunition  was  inspected. 


54  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.        The  deserter  has  got  a  pass  to  his  home,  and  leaves  to- 

June7'      morrow. 

Junes.         Rain}7.     Sunday.     Getting  ready  for  inspection. 

June  9.  Pleasant.  Packed  up,  ready  to  start  for  Washington. 
At  one  P.M.  ordered  to  unpack  and  pitch  tents. 

Juneio.  Cold  and  rainy.  "Shelter-tents"  don't  "shelter." 
Many  of  the  men  sick.  Marched  at  four  P.M.  At  six 
P.M.  camped,  relieving  the  One  Hundred  and  Fifth  New 
York.  Some  reb  prisoners  were  brought  in,  and  com 
mitted  to  the  care  of  Company  H.  Signed  pay-rolls. 

June  11.        Fine.     Paid  off. 

June  12.  At  evening  Gen.  McDowell  was  examining  the  regi 
mental  picket-line,  when  the  sentry  demanded  the  counter 
sign.  McDowell  refusing  to  give  it,  the  guard  fired, 
missing  the  general,  but  wounding  an  aide  in  the  leg,  and 
killing  his  horse.  McDowell  complimented  the  sentiy  for 
his  prompt  discharge  of  duty.  (The  aide's  opinion  does 
not  seem  to  have  been  obtained.) 

June  is.  Warm.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  of  Shields's  wounded 
brought  in. 

June  14.  The  slightly  wounded  and  the  prisoners  left  for  Wash 
ington. 

June  is.  Was  not  warm,  but  hot.  Mail  came.  Capt.  Bates 
found  four  reb  soldiers  in  a  house.  They  concluded  to 
take  the  oath  of  allegiance.  Two  more  prisoners  came  in 
at  nightfall. 

June  16.        Shields's  division  arrived,  and  camped  near  by. 

June  17.  The  regiment,  with  rest  of  the  brigade,  took  cars  at 
seven  A.M.,  and,  passing  Salem  and  White  Plains,  reached 
Manassas  Junction  at  three  P.M.,  where  it  camped.  A 
"  special  train,"  provided  for  Gen.  Hartsuff  and  Company 
II,  ran  over  the  general's  clerk,  crushing  both  his  legs. 
The  "  special  "  reached  the  junction  at  eleven  P.M. 

June  is.  The  railroad  for  sixt}7  miles  is  guarded  by  Gen.  Geary's 
brigade.  Gen.  Hartsuff  is  sick. 

June  19.        President  Lincoln  and  Secretary  Seward  visited  camp. 

June  20.  Cool. 

June  22.        Mail  came. 

June  23.        Severe  thunder-shower.      Brigade  drill  interrupted  by 

the  rain. 
June  24.        Thunder-shower. 


THE  FIRST    YEAR'S  DUTY.  55 

1862.  Close  of  the  first  year  of  the  regiment's  history.  Dur 
ing  this  time  it  had  marched  seven  hundred  and  fifty  miles  ; 
and,  while  the  losses  had  been  very  slight,  the  duty  had 
been  very  fatiguing.  The  weather  had  been  almost  uni 
formly  bad,  the  roads — with  a  few  exceptions  —  execra 
ble.  Verily  the  recruiting-officer  spake  the  truth  when  he 
said  "the  service  afforded  excellent  chances  for  study, 
travel,"  etc.  On  this  day  the  regiment  temporarily  severed 
its  connection  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  being  —  by 
a  juggle  of  words  and  phrases — in  the  third  brigade, 
second  division,  Third  Corps,  Army  of  Virginia. 


THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

UNDER   POPE,  — CEDAR   MOUNTAIN   TO    CHANTILLY, 

1862.  rpIIE  corps  under  Fremont,  Banks,  and  McDowell  were 
-L  numbered  respect! vely  1,2,  and  3,  and  together  formed 
the  Arm}'  of  Virginia,  under  command  of  Major-Gen.  John 
Pope,  an  importation  from  the  West,  brought  on  to  in 
struct  the  troops  in  the  art  and  mystery  of  waging  war. 

Possessed  of  unlimited  self-assurance,  and  what  the 
elder  Weller  termed  "  a  gift  of  gab  werry  gallopin'," 

June  28.  Pope,  in  assuming  command  on  June  28,  cheerfully 
undertook  to  do  three  things  :  cover  Washington,  threaten 
Richmond,  and  protect  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  As  an 
interlude  to  all  this,  the  utter  annihilation  of  Lee's  army 
was  announced  as  being  veiy  probable.1 

Fremont,  objecting  to  serve  under  Pope,  who  was  his 
junior  in  rank,  was  relieved  by  Sigel ;  and  Pope  began  to 
mature  plans  for  redeeming  some  of  the  promises  he  was 
so  liberally  making. 

July  i.  The  surgeon-general  of  Massachusetts  visited  the  regi 
ment. 

July  2.  The  batteries  belonging  to  the  brigade  were  out  target- 
shooting.  Daniel  Donovan  of  Company  B  died,  and  was 
buried  on  July  3. 

July  4.  Warm.  Marched  at  nine  A.M.  Knapsacks  were  left  at 
the  depot,  to  be  forwarded  b}T  rail ;  and  the  regiment 
marched  to  Dranesville,  where  it  received  its  knapsacks, 
and  camped. 

Julys.          Reveille  at  four  A.M. ,  marched  at  seven  A.M.     Halted 

1  "  I  propose  to  defend  "Washington,  not  by  keeping  on  the  defensive,  nor  by 
fortifying  in  front  of  the  enemy,  but  by  placing  myself  on  his  flanks,  and  attack 
ing  him  day  and  night  as  soon  as  he  has  crossed  the  Rappahannock,  until  his 
forces  are  destroyed."  —  Rep.  Com.  Cond.  War.,  vol.  i.  p.  276,  Pope's  testimony. 


UNDER  POPE.  —  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN   TO   CHANTILLY.   57 

1862.    at  Buckton.      Picked   cherries   at  New   Baltimore,    and 

camped  for  the  night  two  miles  be3'ond. 
July  6.          Regiment   mustered   six   hundred   and   fifty  for  duty. 

Orders  received  to  be  ready  to  march  with  ten  days'  cooked 

rations.       A  member  of  the  regiment  writes  to   a  local 

paper,  — 

"  There  was  not  a  regiment  in  the  service  that  had  up  to  this 
time  marched  more  miles  of  tedious,  disagreeable  travelling 
than  the  Twelfth." 

The  regiment  remained  here  till  the  22d. 
July  u.         The  following  modest  document  was  received  :  — 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  VIRGINIA, 

WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  July  14,  1862. 
To  the  Officers  and  Soldiers 

of  the  Army  of  Virginia. 

By  special  assignment  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
I  have  assumed  the  command  of  this  army.  I  have  spent  two 
weeks  in  learning  your  whereabouts,  your  condition,  and  your 
wants ;  in  preparing  you  for  active  operations ;  and  in  placing 
you  in  positions  from  which  you  can  act  promptly,  and  to  the 
purpose.  These  labors  are  nearly  completed,  and  I  am  about  to 
join  you  in  the  field. 

Let  us  understand  each  other.  I  have  come  to  you  from  the 
West,  where  we  have  always  seen  the  backs  of  our  enemies,  — 
from  an  army  whose  business  it  has  been  to  seek  the  adversary, 
and  to  beat  him  when  he  was  found  ;  whose  policy  has  been 
attack,  and  not  defence.  In  but  one  instance  has  the  enemy 
been  able  to  place  our  Western  armies  in  defensive  attitude.  I 
presume  that  I  have  been  called  here  to  pursue  the  same  system, 
and  to  lead  you  against  the  enemy.  It  is  my  purpose  to  do  so, 
and  that  speedily.  I  am  sure  you  long  for  an  opportunity  to 
win  the  distinction  you  are  capable  of  achieving:  that  oppor 
tunity  I  shall  endeavor  to  give  you.  Meantime  I  desire  you 
to  dismiss  from  your  minds  certain  phrases  which  I  am  sorry  to 
find  much  in  vogue  amongst  you.  I  hear  constantly  of  taking 
"strong  positions  and  holding  them"  — rof  "lines  of  retreat," 
and  of  "bases  of  supplies."  Let  us  discard  such  ideas.  The 
strongest  position  a  soldier  should  desire  to  occupy  is  one  from 
which  he  can  most  easily  advance  against  the  enemy.  Let  us 
study  the  probable  lines  of  retreat  of  our  opponents,  and  leave 
our  own  to  take  care  of  themselves.  Let  us  look  before  us,  and 
not  behind.  Success  and  glory  are  in  the  advance.  Disaster 


58  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  and  shame  lurk  in  the  rear.  Let  us  act  on  this  understanding, 
and  it  is  safe  to  predict  that  your  banners  shall  be  inscribed 
with  many  a  glorious  deed,  and  your  names  will  be  dear  to  your 

countrymen  forever. 

JNO.  POPE, 
Major-General  Commanding. 

This  was  the  precursor  of  a  series  of  orders,  —  the  fa 
mous  one  to  "  burn  and  destroy  "  may  be  accepted  as  a 
fair  t}'pe  of  the  whole  family. 

Unfortunately  for  this  modern  Capt.  Bobadil,  Lee  de 
clined  to  be  ordered  out  of  existence;  and  —  McClellan 
having  withdrawn  from  the  Peninsula  —  the  Confederate 
chieftain  proceeded  to  make  sundry  pitt^  comments  on 
Pope's  glowing  sentences. 

July  16.  At -evening  Gen.  Banks  visited  the  brigade,  and  was 
cordially  received,  the  general  making  a  very  compli 
mentary  speech. 

July  22.  In  a  violent  storm,  the  regiment  marched  at  six  P.M., 
leaving  the  Ninth  New  York  behind  to  guard  the  town. 
Camped  for  the  night  at  the  Rappahannock  River. 

July  24.  At  3.30  A.M.  received  orders  to  move.  In  fifteen  min 
utes  every  thing  was  packed  and  the  men  ready,  when  the 
marching  orders  were  countermanded.  Pope's  foraging- 
orders  were  in  full  force,  and  strictly  obeyed.  The  only 
discomfort  was  the  wretched  water. 

July  25.         Shifted  camp  at  ten  A.M. 

June  26.        A  violent  tempest. 

June  27.        Anniversary  of  arrival  at  Sand}*  Hook,  Md. 

Aug.  i.  Pope  reviewed  the  troops  in  our  vicinit}*.  A  soldier  in 
the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  after  contemplating  his 
commander  carefully,  remarked,  "  A  handsome  man,  but  I 
don't  see  the  major-general." 

Aug.  s.         Marched  at  twelve  M.  ;  bivouacked  at  dark. 

Aug.  9.  Marched  at  daybreak.  After  proceeding  two  miles 
halted.  Heavy  firing  was  heard  in  direction  of  Rapidan 
River.  At  four  P.M.  received  orders  to  move  ;  and,  leav 
ing  knapsacks  in  a  field  by  the  wayside,  the  regiment 
marched  with  the  division,  reaching  the  battle-field  of 
Cedar  Mountain  at  dusk. 

Banks  —  incensed  at  the  remark  of  Pope's  chief- of- staff, 


UNDER  POPE.  —  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN   TO   CI1ANTILLY.    59 

1862.  that  "  there  must  be  no  backing  out  this  time,  general " — 
had  attacked  Stonewall  Jackson  with  such  fury  that  that 
redoubtable  leader  had  been  obliged  to  put  in  all  his 
available  force.  This,  too,  when  his  troops  were  numeri 
cally  superior  to  Banks's.  On  finding  this  out,  Stonewall 
began  to  press  Banks  ;  so  that,  when  Ricketts's  division 
arrived,  the  Federal  lines  were  slowl}'  giving  wa}*  before 
the  advance  of  the  Confederates.  Finding  fresh  troops 
in  their  front,  the  rebel  lines  halted,  and  began  an  artillery 
duel.  A  shell  from  the  Confederate  guns  burst  among  the 
ambulances,  just  as  Hartsuff's  brigade  was  ordered  for 
ward  ;  and,  as  the  brigade  filed  off,  a  batte^  going  to  the 
rear  with  unmanageable  horses  dashed  through  its  ranks. 
This  temporarily  detached  the  Twelfth  from  the  rest  of 
the  brigade ;  but  an  aide  informed  its  commander  where 
his  brigade  was,  and  the  regiment  passed  down  the  hill 
side,  greeted  with  a  volley  of  musketry,  and  the  fire  of  a 
battery  about  one  hundred  and  seventy  yards  away. 
Lying  down  to  receive  each  volley,  and  marching  during 
the  intervals,  the  regiment  rejoined  the  brigade,  and  laj- 
on  its  arms  until  three  A.M.  of  Aug.  10,  Sigel's  corps 
having  gone  to  the  extreme  front. 

A  correspondent  of  "  The  New- York  Herald  "  sa}Ts,  — 

"  I  have  witnessed  many  battles  during  the  war,  but  I  have 
seen  none  where  the  tenacious  obstinacy  of  the  American  char 
acter  was  so  wonderfully  displayed." 

An  officer  of  the  regiment  wrote  to  a  friend  as  fol 
lows  :  — 

"  Certainly  the  Twelfth  behaved  handsomely  in  this  their 
first  engagement  of  any  importance,  and  remained  cool  and 
courageous  under  the  most  terrific  fire  of  shot  and  shell,  without 
replying  to  it  for  three  mortal  hours.'* 

And  the  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  sa}r,  — 

"Moving  forward  through  the  heavy  fire,  Hartsuff's  brigade 
was  placed  under  shelter  of  a  stretch  of  rising  ground.  Batter 
ies  were  now  got  into  position,  and  the  answers  returned  from 
the  Federal  lines  were  as  savage  as  the  messages  received.  In 


OFFICERS. 
1 

ENLISTED   MEN. 
0 

3 

5 

.....      o 

2 

• 

.       11 

60  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  the  comparative  safety  the  rising  ground  aff orded,  we  could  dis 
tinctly  trace  by  the  burning  fuse  the  shells  from  our  own  and 
the  rebel  batteries  as  they  went  hissing  overhead  through  the 
heavy  night  air.  The  firing  was  kept  up  until  after  midnight, 
the  enemy  expending  most  of  his  shell  on  a  dense  woods  some 
distance  to  our  right."  l 

The  regimental  loss  was,  — 

Killed 
Wounded  . 
Missing 
Total 

Capt.  N.  B.  Shurtleff  of  Company  D,  the  first  to  enlist 
in  the  regiment,  was  the  first  to  fall,  being  killed  in  this 
engagement. 

Aug.  11.        Hot :  in  camp  on  the  battle-field. 

Aug.  is.  At  two  A.M.  ordered  to  be  "  ready  to  move."  Marched 
at  seven  A.M.,  leaving  Company  H  as  hospital  guard. 
Camped  at  Culpeper,  where,  during  the  day,  William  B. 
Center  of  Company  C  was  buried.  At  nightfall  Company 
H  rejoined  the  regiment. 

Aug.  15.  Rainy.  At  nine  A.M.  marched  to  the  Rapidan  River, 
and  camped  in  the  woods.  The  road  was  thickly  strewn 
with  debris  of  the  late  battle,  with  frequently  a  half-filled 
grave,  where  a  hasty  burial  had  been  made. 

Aug.  16.        Marched  at  9.30  A.M.,  and  camped  on  Cedar  Mountain. 

Aug.  is.  Orders  received  for  teams  to  pack  and  go  to  the  rear. 
Marched  at  eleven  P.M.  After  travelling  two  miles,  the 
wagons  so  obstructed  the  road  that  the  brigade  halted  till 
daylight. 

Aug.  19.  At  five  A.M.  marched  past  Cedar  Mountain:  the  road 
was  dotted  with  abandoned  wagons,  which  had  been  burnt 
by  the  teamsters.  Passed  through  Culpeper  amid  sneer 
ing  grimaces  by  the  Southern  ladies,  and  halted  at  night 
on&the  banks  of  the  Rappahannock.  Crossed  on  the  rail 
road  bridge,  and,  after  travelling  a  mile,  went  into  camp. 
Distance  marched,  twenty-five  miles  ;  and  yet  "  Gen.  Hal- 
leek  once  said  that  the  great  want  of  the  army  was  legs." 

i  The  Story  of  the  Regiment,  by  Chaplain  W.  H.  Locke,  p.  90. 
«  Ibid,  p.  214. 


UNDER  POPE. —  CEDAR   MOUNTAIN   TO   CHANT  ILLY.   61 

1862.  Pope  had  commenced  his  campaign  by  a  retreat,  which 
was  Lee's  annotation  on  the  line,  — 

"  Let  us  look  before  us,  and  not  behind."  —  Pope's  Circular. 

The  da}Ts  now  were  occupied  b}T  Pope  in  placing  his 
army  "  in  positions  "  from  which  it  could  "  act  promptly 
and  to  the  purpose,"  and  the  amount  of  helter-skelter 
marching  which  became  necessary  is  best  shown  by  the 
diary. 

Aug.  20.        Marched  at  four  P.M.     Crossed  the  bridge  to  guard  it. 

Aug. 21.  All  packed  up  at  four  A.M.,  and  waiting  orders.  At 
9.45  A.M.  the  rebs  shelled  the  regiment :  our  batteries 
promptly  replied.  Skirmishing  with  artillery  continued  in 
our  vicinit}*  for  about  thirty  minutes,  but  was  maintained 
day  and  night  to  our  right  and  left  almost  incessantly. 

Aug.  22.  The  artiller}'  duel  still  continued.  About  noon  twenty- 
four  head  of  cattle  strayed  from  the  rebel  lines,  and  were 
promptly  confiscated. 

Aug.  23.  At  five  A.M.  the  river  was  rapidly  rising,  and  endanger 
ing  the  bridge.  Crossed  to  the  north  bank  of  the  Rappa- 
hannock,  Thompson's  battery  bringing  up  the  rear.  At 
six  A.M.  the  rebel  batteries  opened  on  our  column,  but, 
after  two  hours'  pounding,  were  silenced  by  Thompson. 
At  seven  A.M.  marched  in  direction  of  Warrenton,  trav 
elled  ten  miles,  and  bivouacked  in  the  woods. 

Aug.  24.  At  daybreak  started  without  breakfast.  Marched  eight 
miles,  and  camped  in  an  orchard  belonging  to  a  rebel 
colonel.  At  nightfall  the  rebs  were  only  two  miles  away. 

Aug.  25.  At  five  A.M.  marched  two  miles,  and  camped  on  a  hill 
side  by  the  Waterloo  Road.  Hartsuff  is  sick  ;  Col.  Stiles 
commands  the  brigade  ;  the  entire  division  is  together. 

Aug.  26.  Marched  at  daybreak.  After  travelling  two  miles,  were 
ordered  to  return  to  camp  of  yesterday.  At  noon  were 
back  on  the  old  ground. 

Pope  was  getting  badly  mixed.  Jackson  was  working 
between  him  and  Washington.  Lee  was  hunting  to  join 
Jackson;  while  Pope's  divisions  were  here,  there,  and 
everywhere.  To  cap  all,  the  ubiquitous  Stuart  took  ad 
vantage  of  a  dark,  rainy  night,  and  raided  Pope's  head 
quarters,  severing  communication  with  Washington,  and 


62  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  adding  to  the  confusion.  Lee  had  taken  Pope  at  his  word, 
and  was  gently  urging  him  to  "discard  such  ideas"  as 
44  bases  of  supplies  ;  "  while  the  blazing  bonfires  built  by 
Ewell  at  Manassas  showed  how  well  the  Federal  general 
was  leaving  his  lines  of  retreat  "to  take  care  of  them 
selves." 

The  tale  is  told  on  the  authority  of  Stuart's  staff,  that 
among  their  plunder  at  Catlett's  Station  was  a  new  uni 
form  coat,  marked  inside  the  collar,  "Major-Gen.  John 
Pope."  In  the  darkness  and  confusion  of  the  raid,  Stuart 
lost  his  hat,  which  was  ornamented  with  a  long  white  os 
trich  feather.  The  next  morning  a  flag  of  truce  appeared, 
bearing  a  solemn  proposal  from  the  reb  cavalry  general, 
that  there  be  a  swop  made,  "  your  coat  for  my  feather," 
under  the  guise  of  an  exchange  of  prisoners.  Fancy 
Pope's  wrath. 

Aug.  27.  Hot.  Ordered  to  march  at  six  A.M.  ;  countermanded. 
Marched  at  four  P.M.  Halted  for  two  hours  in  Warrenton 
to  let  two  divisions  pass,  then  marched  eight  miles  and 
bivouacked.  McDowell  detached  Ricketts's  division  to 
bar  Longstreet's  passage  through  Thoroughfare  Gap. 

Aug.  28.  Started  early  via  Little  Baltimore.  After  twelve  hours' 
hard  tramping,  reached  Thoroughfare  at  a  little  before 
three  P.M.,  just  ahead  of  Longstreet.  Company  H,  sup 
ported  by  the  Eleventh  Penns3Tlvania,  deployed  as  skir 
mishers  through  the  woods.  The  reb  pickets  "  ske 
daddled,"  we  catching  eight  of  them.  At  this  juncture 
McDowell  departed  with  the  rest  of  his  corps,  leaving 
Ricketts  to  his  own  resources.  The  result  was,  that  at 
dusk,  just  as  Ricketts  was  being  forced  back,  orders  came 
from  Pope  for  the  division  to  rejoin  its  corps  immediately 
between  Centreville  and  Manassas.  Marched  all  night  in 
direction  of  Gainesville,  hearing  heavy  firing  round  Ma 
nassas  ;  Thompson's  battery  being  charged  with  protect 
ing  the  march,  which  was  done  by  the  battery  going  into 
position  on  every  piece  of  rising  ground.  The  regiment 
lay  on  its  arms  all  night  of  the  29th. 

Aug.  so.  Marched  at  daylight  in  rear  of  an  ammunition-train. 
Knapsacks  were  left  in  a  piece  of  woods  (and  are  prob 
ably  there  yet) .  Heavy  firing  was  heard  at  intervals  dur- 


UNDER  POPE.  —  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN   TO   CHANTILLY.    63 

1862.  ing  the  morning,  otherwise  there  was  nothing  noticeable. 
By  order  of  Gen.  McDowell,  the  brigade  was  placed  under 
command  of  Gen.  Tower ;  and  at  one  P.M.  orders  were 
received  to  support  Heintzelman  and  lie  no,  who  were  to 
attack  and  turn  the  Confederate  left.  This  proving  un 
successful,  Tower  was  instructed  to  aid  Schenck,  Milroy, 
and  Re3*nolds.  The  regiment  formed  the  right  of  Tower's 
line,  the  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  holding  the  centre,  and 
the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  the  left ;  and  the  brigade 
is  thus  spoken  of  by  Greeley  ("History  of  the  Rebel 
lion")  :- 

"Gen.  Tower  led  his  brigade  of  Ricketts's  division  into 
action,  in  support  of  Reynolds,  with  eminent  skill  and  gal 
lantry,  its  conduct  being  such  as  to  elicit  enthusiastic  cheers 
from  our  entire  left  wing." 

Pope,  in  his  official  report,  says,  — 

"  Tower's  brigade  of  Ricketts's  division  was  pushed  forward 
into  action  in  support  of  Reynolds 's  division,  and  was  led  for 
ward  in  person  by  Gen.  Tower  with  conspicuous  skill  and  gal 
lantry.  The  conduct  of  that  brigade  —  in  plain  view  of  all  the 
forces  on  our  left  —  was  especially  distinguished." 

The  regiment  suffered  severely  in  this  action  ;  for,  when 
it  left  the  field,  it  had  lost  its  colonel.  Cut  off  from  his 
command  for  a  few  moments  in  the  confusion  of  the  battle, 
he  fell,  inflicting  on  the  regiment  a  loss  that  was  never 
forgotten.  His  kindly  qualities  had  made  him  many 
friends  ;  and  the  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  pay  this  graceful 
tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  first  colonel  of  the  Twelfth 
Massachusetts :  — 

"  Among  the  losses  in  the  brigade,  outside  of  our  own  regi 
ment,  none  was  more  keenly  felt  than  the  death  of  Col.  Fletcher 
Webster  of  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts.  Our  first  introduction 
at  Falmouth,  in  the  preceding  month  of  May,  had  grown  into 
an  intimacy  still  remembered  with  pleasure.  The  colonel  was 
a  brave  and  chivalrous  soldier,  partaking  largely  of  the  warm 
impulses  and  noble  nature  of  his  illustrious  father."  l 

1  The  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  117. 


64 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1862.        The  regimental  loss  was,  — 

OFFICERS.          ENLISTED   MEN.          TOTALS. 

Killed      ......      2  13  15 

Wounded         ....       1  59  60 

Missing    .  ...       1  62  63 

138 

Sept.  i.         After  the  battle  the  regiment  fell  back  to  Centreville, 
remaining  there  until  three  A.M.  Sept.  1,  when,  in  a  cold 
rain,  it  marched  on  the  Fairfax  turnpike.    After  travelling 
.  four  miles,  it  double-quicked  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and 
amid  a  furious  thunder-storm  formed  line  of  battle  in  the 
.  woods  near  Chantilly.     The  action  was  short  and  sharp, 
costing  the  Union  army  the  lives  of  Gens.  Stevens  and 
Kearney.     The  regiment  suffered  no  loss,  in  this  the  clos 
ing  scene  of  Pope's  eventful  campaign. 

McDowell,  in  his  official  report,  sa}'s  of  his  corps,  — 

"  For  fifteen  days,  with  scarcely  a  day's  intermission,  it  was 
either  making  forced  marches,  many  times  through  the  night, 
and  many  times  without  food,  or  else  engaged  in  battle.  These 
fatigues  were  most  severe  toward  the  last,  when,  on  account  of 
the  movements  of  the  enemy,  we  had  separated  from  our  sup 
plies  ;  and  many  generals,  as  well  as  private  soldiers,  had  no 
food,  or  only  such  as  could  be  picked  up  in  the  orchards  and 
cornfields  along  the  road.  In  all  this  the  patience  and  endur 
ance  and  good  conduct  of  the  men  were  admirable.  To  fight 
and  retreat,  and  retreat  and  fight,  in  the  face  of  a  superior  force, 
is  a  severe  test  for  soldiership." 

Which  is  a  glowing  tribute  to  extract  from  a  cold  and 
formal  official  report. 

*'  But  Gen.  McDowell  omitted  to  say  that  all  the  fatigues  of 
that  campaign  were  endured  by  the  men,  not  only  without  that 
confidence  in  the  leading  generals,  from  which  comes  the  en 
thusiasm  of  an  army,  but  with  a  positive  aversion  to  them.  At 
the  very  outset,  by  the  tone  of  his  orders  and  the  self-superior 
style  of  his  addresses,  Gen.  Pope  made  an  unfavorable  impression 
upon  the  troops,  —  an  impression  that  was  never  corrected. 

"  With  Gen.  McDowell  the  case  was  still  worse.  Besides  an 
utter  want  of  faith  in  his  competency  as  a  field-commander,  the 
wildest  stories  of  complicity  with  the  rebels  were  circulated  and 


UNDER  POPE.  —  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN   TO   CHAN  TILLY.    65 

1862.  believed  concerning  him.  During  the  excessive  hot  days  of  the 
campaign  the  general  wore  a  cool  and  becoming  bamboo  hat  of 
peculiar  shape.  But  the  troops  declared  that  it  was  especially 
designed  as  a  distinguishing  mark  to  the  enemy.  To  such  a 
height  did  the  feeling  prevail,  that,  when  the  rumor  was  circu 
lated  on  the  last  day  of  the  Bull-Run  battle  that  McDowell  had 
been  shot  by  Sigel  for  open  acts  of  treason,  there  were  few  who 
cared  to  call  the  truth  of  the  rumor  in  question."  1 

The  summer  campaign  of  '62  was  ended.  Pope  had 
demonstrated  that  in  sober  verity  his  "headquarters" 
were  "  in  the  saddle  ;  "  and  as  he  ruminated  on  his  own 
glowing  sentence,  "  Disaster  and  shame  lurk  in  the  rear." 
he  bethought  himself  that  a  victim  was  necessary  to  make 
atonement  for  the  long  catalogue  of  blunders.  Fitz-John 
Porter  was  designated  as  the  scape-goat :  having  done 
this,  Pope  in  disgust  threw  up  his  command  ;  and  the  Army 
of  Virginia  huddled  beneath  the  walls  of  the  Capitol,  await 
ing  the  next  shuffle  of  the  cards  of  fate. 

Meanwhile  Lee  was  contemplating  his  next  move. 

1  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  113. 


66  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


CHAFIER  V. 

UNDEE    McCLELLAN.  —  SOUTH   MOUNTAIN   AND   ANTIETAM, 

1862.  rPIIE  good  people  at  Washington  were  sorely  puzzled 
J-  and  somewhat  dismaj'ed.  In  their  trepidation  the}' 
handed  the  broken  masses  of  what  had  been  Pope's  army 
to  McClellan,  with  the  prayer  that  he  would  try  and 
avert  further  disaster.  Meanwhile  Lee,  astounded  at  the 
easy  victory  he  had  gained,  rapidly  sketched  out  a  new 
campaign ;  and  the  rebel  army  marched  northward  to 
Maryland. 

Sept.  2.  Drew  rations,  and  during  the  morning  marched  via 
Fairfax  to  Hall's  Hill,  and  camped. 

Sept.  4.  Shifted  camp  a  mile.  In  the  forenoon  the  rebs  fired 
into  the  regimental  baggage-train.  At  night  twenty-six 
recruits  arrived,  with  Chaplain  Washburn  (who  had  been 
sent  to  the  regiment  by  Gov.  Andrew) . 

Sept.  5.  Heavy  firing  up  the  river.  Crossed  Chain  Bridge  at 
10.30  P.M.  Marched  via  Georgetown  and  Washington, 
and  bivouacked  at  Leesborough.  Are  now  in  First  Corps, 
under  Hooker. 

Sept.  e.  Marched  at  five  A.M.  Went  seventeen  miles  without 
halting.  Camped  near  Mechanicsville. 

Sept.  7.  New  ponchos  received.  Capt.  Bates  of  Company  H  left 
the  regiment,  having  been  commissioned  major  of  ThiHy- 
third  Massachusetts.  Gen.  Hartsuff  and  staff  joined  the 
brigade. 

Sept.  s.  Received  new  knapsacks.  Marched  at  five  A.M.  via 
Mechanicsville.  Travelled  ten  miles. 

Sept.  9.         Warm.     Sixteenth  Maine  joined  brigade. 

Sept.  10.  Reveille  at  four  A.M.  Marched  on  cross-road  between 
the  two  pikes  for  ten  miles.  Halted  on  Frederick  pike, 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  AND  ANTTETAM.  67 

1862.  twenty  miles  from  Frederick.  Reb  pickets  were  said  to 
be  four  miles  away.  v  Marched  fourteen  miles  toward 
Frederick,  and  camped. 

Sept.  12.  Bad  storm.  Marched  at  noon  via  Lisbon.  Halted  just 
outside  of  Strawtown.  Three  hundred  reb  soldiers  who 
were  in  the  town  left  incontinently  at  our  approach.  (It 
turned  out  they  had  bivouacked  in  the  same  field  with 
us.) 

Sept.  is.  Fine.  Marched  at  twelve  M.  Reached  Newmarket  at 
three  P.M.,  and  Cantonment  Hicks  (or  rather  its  site)  at 
six  P.M.  Every  one  seemed  glad  to  see  us,  and  waving 
flags  and  handkerchiefs  were  plentiful  by  the  wayside. 
At  6.30  P.M.  camped  on  the  banks  of  the  Monocacy. 
Many  of  the  regiment  took  occasion  to  visit  the  scene  of 
their  first  winter  in  service. 

Sept.  14.  Reveille  at  three  A.M.  Marched  to  Frederick,  remain 
ing  there  one  hour.  Then  on  for  eight  miles  to  Middle- 
town,  where  signs  of  a  battle  began  to  be  manifest. 

Moved  to  the  right  on  the  old  Hagerstown  pike,  passing 
Gen.  McClellan,  who  had  been  to  the  front  reconnoitering. 
Reno  had  the  left ;  King's  division,  commanded  by  Hatch, 
held  the  centre,  resting  on  the  turnpike  ;  while  Ricketts's 
division  was  on  the  right.  The  rebs,  being  on  the  hill- 
slope,  could  plainly  see  all  our  movements  :  their  strength 
and  dispositions  were  unknown  to  us.  At  four  P.M.  the 
whole  line  was  engaged  fighting  inch  by  inch  up  the  hills. 
Hooker  had  turned  the  rebel  left ;  and  Gibbons' s  and 
Hartsuff  s  brigades  pushed  up  the  turnpike,  fighting 
steadily  till  nine  P.M.,  when — having  gained  the  summit  of 
the  pass  —  ammunition  was  exhausted.  Relieved  at  mid 
night  by  two  of  Sumner's  brigades,  our  brigade  rested  on 
its  arms  till  daylight.  The  nature  of  the  ground  favored 
the  Twelfth,  so  that  its  loss  was  but  one  man  killed. 

Sept.  is.  At  7.30  A.M.  a  flag  of  truce  came  to  bur}'  the  Confeder 
ate  dead.  At  eight  A.M.  the  regiment  marched,  halting 
just  beyond  Keedysville. 

Sept.  16.  Heav3r  firing  in  front  roused  the  regiment  earl}-.  Ra 
tions  were  issued  ;  and  the  brigade  marched,  making  a 
detour  of  two  miles  to  avoid  the  artillery  fire.  Crossed 
Antietam  Creek,  and  turned  sharply  to  the  left,  coming 


68  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  into  an  open  field  whence  issued  heavy  musketry  fire. 
Hooker  formed  his  line  with  Doubleday  on  the  right,  his 
artillery  on  a  hill-crest,  Meade's  Penns}*lvania  Reserves  in 
the  centre,  and  Ricketts  on  the  left.  At  dark  all  was 
quiet;  but  Hooker, — who  spent  the  night  in  a  barn, — 
before  going  to  bed,  said,  "To-morrow  we  fight  a  battle 
that  will  decide  the  fate  of  the  Republic." 

Sept.  17.  At  early  dawn  Hooker  opened  the  ball.  During  the 
night  Ricketts  and  Meade  had  changed  positions,  Double- 
day  still  holding  the  right.  u  Forward !"  said  Hooker, 
his  intent  being  to  seize  the  Hagerstown  road,  and  crush 
in  the  rebel  left.  Across  a  cornfield,  over  a  fence,  still  on 
marched  Ricketts,  till  he  stood  face  to  face  with  Jackson's 
veterans,  under  old  Stonewall  himself.  Then  began  a  Ti 
tanic  struggle.  Companies  E  arid  K  were  deployed  as 
skirmishers  under  Capt.  Cook,  and  speedily  the  reb  skir 
mish  line  was  driven  in.  Our  brigade  struck  their  line  of 
battle  a  little  sooner  than  was  expected,  but,  having  found 
the  enem%y,  forthwith  opened.  Down  went  Gen.  Hartsuff 
severely  wounded,  down  went  officer  after  officer,  until 
the  command  devolved  on  Capt.  Cook.  The  dead  of  the 
regiment  lay  in  piles,  and  the  wounded  kept  thinning  the 
line,  yet  Ricketts  fought  on.  He  formed  what  was  left  of 
his  division  into  a  brigade,  and  tried  to  advance.  Fail 
ing,  he  notified  Hooker  that  he  could  only  hold  on. 
Crawford's  and  Gordon's  brigades,  of  Mansfield's  corps, 
came  to  the  rescue  ;  Hooker  being  determined  to  carry  the 
woods  beyond,  and  to  the  right  of  the  cornfield.  Alas ! 
just  at  this,  the  critical  moment,  Hooker  was  wounded  ; 
and  Sumner  —  the  "  old  bull  of  the  woods  "  —  took  com 
mand.  Sedgwick's  division  came  to  support  Ricketts, 
Crawford,  and  Gordon  ;  but  nothing  more  was  gained,  and 
darkness  put  an  end  to  the  conflict. 

The  Twelfth  entered  the  battle  with  three  hundred  and 
forty  men.  It  came  out  with  thirty-two  under  its  colors. 
When  the  regiment  was  relieved,  a  few  men  left  the  ranks 
temporarily  to  help  their  wounded  comrades  to  the  rear. 
Its  actual  casualty  list  was,  — 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  AND   ANT  I ET  AM. 


69 


1862  OFFICERS.          ENLISTED   MEN.          TOTALS. 

Killed     .....       3  67  70 

Wounded        ....       9  174  183 

Missing  .         •  .0  30 

283 

Among  the  killed  was  Assistant  Surgeon  Kendall,  who 
was  at  the  amputating-table  when  hit  by  a  bullet. 

Gen.  Ricketts,  in  his  official  report,  says  of  Hartsuff's 
brigade,  — 

"The  brigade  moved  forward,  officers  and  men  displaying 
great  coolness,  while  exposed  to  a  severe  fire  of  artillery  and 
infantry. ' ' 

A  publication  entitled,  "  Wisconsin  in  the  War,"  says 
(pp.  328,  329),- 

"Meade  and  his  Pennsylvania  reserves  fall  back.  Gen. 
Hooker  sees  the  crisis,  and  sends  for  more  troops.  He  sees  the 
danger  increasing,  and  posts  an  aide  to  Gen.  Doubleday  with 
the  message,  '  Give  me  your  best  brigade.'  Hartsuff,  with  the 
Twelfth  and  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  and  other  troops,  rushes 
to  the  rescue ;  and  they  carry  a  point  of  woods  that  commands 
the  position  first  gained." 

Sypher's  "History  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves"  says 
(p.  383),- 

"  Hartsuff's  brigade  was  moved  from  the  right,  and  sent  to 
the  edge  of  the  woods  fronting  the  cornfield.  For  half  an  hour 
they  held  the  ridge,  unyielding  in  purpose,  exhaustless  in  cour 
age  There  were  gaps  in  the  line,  but  it  nowhere  quailed. 
There  was  no  more  gallant,  determined,  heroic  fighting  in  all 
that  desperate  day." 

The  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  say  ("  Story  of  the  Regi 
ment,  p.  127),- 

"  *  Send  me  your  best  brigade,'  was  the  message  to  Ricketts. 
In  a  moment  Hartsuff's  brigade,  that  had  been  in  position  on 
a  slight  elevation  near  the  house  of  Joseph  Poffenberger,  came 
down  the  hill  on  the  double-quick,  through  the  open  ground 
beyond  and  into  the  cornfield,  passing,  as  they  went,  the  frag 
ments  of  three  brigades  shattered  by  the  rebel  fire,  and  now 
streaming  to  the  rear. 


70  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  "  'I  think  they  will  hold  it,'  said  Hooker,  as  he  saw  that 
splendid  brigade  of  veteran  troops  moving  on  under  a  galling 
and  destructive  fire.  At  the  moment  of  entering  the  cornfield, 
—  a  conspicuous  mark  to  the  enemy,  —the  brave  Hartsuff  fell 
from  his  horse  severely  wounded. 

"  '  Forward,  Third  Brigade! '  rang  out  the  voice  of  Col.  Coul 
ter,  who  succeeded  to  the  command." 

George  N.  Smalley's  report  to  "  The  New- York 
Tribune,"  says  (»  Rebellion  Record,"  vol.  v.  p.  4G6),  — 

"In  ten  minutes  the  fortune  of  the  day  seemed  to  have 
changed :  it  was  the  rebels  now  who  were  advancing,  pouring 
out  of  the  woods  in  endless  lines,  sweeping  through  the  corn 
field.  Hooker  sent  in  his  nearest  brigade  to  meet  them,  but  it 
could  not  do  the  work.  He  called  for  another.  Not  hesitating 
a  moment  he  sent  to  Doubleday:  «  Give  me  your  best  brigade 
instantly.' 

"  The  best  brigade  came  down  the  hill,  went  through  a  storm 
of  shot  and  bursting  shell,  passing,  as  they  went,  the  fragments 
of  three  brigades  shattered,  and  streaming  to  the  rear.  They 
passed  by  Hooker,  whose  eye  lighted  as  he  saw  these  veteran 
troops.  '  I  think  they  will  hold  it,'  he  said. 

"  Gen.  _  Hartsuff  took  his  troops  very  steadily,  and  formed 
them  on  the  crest.  Not  a  man  who  was  not  in  full  view,  not 
one  who  bent  before  the  storm.  Firing  at  first  in  volleys,  they 
fired  then  at  will  with  wonderful  rapidity  and  effect.  They 
were  the  Twelfth  and  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  and  another 
regiment  which  I  cannot  remember. 

"  There  they  held  the  ridge,  unyielding  in  purpose,  exhaust- 
less  in  courage.  There  were  gaps  in  the  line,  but  it  nowhere 
bent  :  their  general  was  severely  wounded  early  in  the  fight, 
but  they  fought  on.  Their  supports  did  not  come  :  they  deter 
mined  to  win  without  them.  There  was  no  more  gallant,  de 
termined,  heroic  fighting  in  all  this  desperate  day." 

In  "  The  Citizen  Soldier,"  a  "fair"  paper,  published 
at  Abington,  Mass.,  Dec.  15,  1869,  is  an  account  of  An- 
tietam,  by  one  who  served  in  the  Twelfth  : 

"  Early  Monday  morning  we  move  down  the  west  side  of  the 
mountain;  and  it  has  a  strange  look  to  us,  tired,  ragged,  and 
dirty  as  we  are,  to  see  Gen.  Hooker  in  the  saddle  taking  his 
brandy  and  water,  looking  as  clean  and  trim  as  though  he  had 
just  made  his  morning  toilet  at  Willard's. 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  AND  ANTIETAM.  71 

1862.  "We  march  to  Keedysville  through  the  usual  marks  of  an 
enemy's  hasty  retreat, — broken-down  wagons,  dead  mules, 
crippled  caissons,  houses  filled  with  wounded,  the  road  strewed 
with  muskets,  knapsacks,  and  butternut  jackets. 

"  At  Keedysville  we  halt  for  the  night,  and  Tuesday  after 
noon  our  corps  marches  leisurely  up  the  river.  There  seem  to 
be  no  indications  of  an  engagement,  except  that  Hooker  looks 
all  alive.  He  sits  uneasily  in  his  saddle,  and  his  look  means 
mischief.  Suddenly  a  little  puff  of  smoke  shoots  out  of  a  little 
thicket  on  our  right  and  front,  and  a  single  shell  comes  shriek 
ing  over  our  heads,  and  explodes  far  in  the  rear:  too  much 
elevation  and  too  long  a  fuse,  Mr.  Reb.  A  few  more  in  the 
same  style,  and  Thompson's  battery  dashes  into  position,  and 
soon  makes  the  rebels' ground  too  hot  for  them.  'Battalion! 
front!  forward!  '  we  are  met  with  a  light  fire  from  the  thickets, 
and  a  dose  of  canister. 

"  A  sergeant  of  Company  G,  whom  we  left  in  Washington, 
suddenly  appears  upon  the  scene  with,  — 

"  '  Captain,  can't  I  take  my  place  in  line  ?  ' 

**  *  Why,  sergeant!  where  are  you  from  ?  ' 

"  'Oh!  they  brought  me  to  Frederick,  and  I  slipped  away 
from  there.' 

"  '  Well:  but  you  have  no  rifle.' 

"  '  Yes:  but  I  can  soon  raise  one.' 

"  'Go  in,  then.' 

"  He  does  '  go  in: '  and,  as  we  move  on,  a  canister-shot  crashes 
through  the  brain  of  a  man  in  Company  C,  on  our  left;  and  our 
watchful  sergeant  pounces  on  him  like  an  eagle  on  his  prey, 
tears  the  rifle  from  his  dying  grasp,  and  triumphantly  rejoins 
his  company. 

"  Our  gray-haired  chaplain  is  full  of  fight,  gets  a  musket  and 
takes  his  place  in  line,  and  comes  out  of  the  evening's  flurry 
with  the  traditional  bullet  buried  in  the  traditional  Bible  in 
the  traditional  breast-pocket  over  his  heart. 

"  We  capture  a  picket-line  in  the  darkness,  among  them  a 
captain  of  the  First  Texas,  a  lawyer  of  Austin,  and  a  man  of 
intelligence.  After  this  little  affair  is  over,  we  lie  down  on  our 
arms  in  a  cornfield;  and  this  captain  happens  to  pillow  his  head 
on  the  next  hill  of  corn  to  the  writer.  He  tells  us  to  our  sur 
prise  that  the  whole  rebel  army  is  in  front  of  us;  points  out  the 
lights  at  the  headquarters  of  Lee,  Jackson,  and  Longstreet;  says 
that  the  prolonged  cheering  we  hear  all  along  the  rebel  lines  is 
caused  by  the  reading  of  Jackson's  report  of  his  capture  of  the 
entire  Union  force  at  Harper's  Ferry.  This  is  the  first  we  have 


72  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  heard  of  Gen.  Miles's  disaster.  Retells  us  that  South  Moun 
tain,  which  we  had  deemed  a  decisive  victory,  was  in  reality  a 
defeat;  as  we  were  held  in  check  till  Jackson  had  bagged  our 
army  at  the  Ferry,  and  rejoined  their  main  body. 

"Picket-firing,  and  movements  of  artillery  and  troops,  gave 
little  chance  for  sleep  that  night 

"  As  soon  as  morning  dawned  through  a  damp,  foggy  at 
mosphere,  Hartsuff's  brigade  was  ordered  to  fall  in.  Our  friend 
of  the  First  Texas  and  the  rest  of  the  prisoners  were  sent  to 
the  provost-guard  in  the  rear,  and  we  moved  forward.  Com 
pany  I  had  the  colors,  G  on  the  left  of  the  colors,  and  C  on  the 
left  of  G. 

44  Forward,  still  as  death,  up  a  lane,  out  to  the  right,  through 
a  little  thicket,  into  a  plain  field. 

44  Forward  in  line  of  battle:  the  fog  lifts,  and  in  an  instant 
a  rebel  battery  on  our  right  opens  on  us,  with  rather  poor  range 
at  first,  but  they  soon  get  it  closer;  and  by  command  down  we 
go,  our  faces  in  the  dust.  Thompson's  battery,  that  has  fol 
lowed  close  in  our  rear,  unlimbers,  and  opens  on  them:  other 
batteries  in  position  open  fire,  but  the  enemy's  fire  does  not 
slacken.  Up  again  and  onward.  The  shells  are  well  aimed 
now,  and  we  have  gaps  in  our  lines  to  close  up.  Through  the 
field  to  the  heavy  fence  that  bordered  the  memorable  cornfield, 
where,  later  in  the  day,  the  dead  were  literally  piled  up. 
4  Down  with  the  fence,  boys! '  and  they  went  at  it  with  a  will. 
Just  then  a  shell  struck  the  fence,  and  exploded  right  in  the 
midst  of  us.  It  seemed  for  a  moment  that  all  was  chaos,  as 
the  dust,  splinters,  and  smoke  filled  the  air;  but  it  staggered  us 
only  for  an  instant,  and,  rubbing  our  eyes,  we  saw  that  most  of 
us  were  still  in  fighting  trim.  Onward  into  the  cornfield.  Not 
a  rifle-shot  fired  yet,  that  dreadful  battery  on  our  right  still 
ploughing  through  our  ranks.  Still  forward.  Ah,  there  they 
are!  a  long  line  of  gray  backs  is  seen  filing  out  on  our  left  and 
front.  '  Give  it  to  them,  boys! '  This  makes  us  feel  better,  as 
we  open  fire  within  good  range.  Still  those  dreadful  shot  and 
shell  plough  through  Company  I.  We  have  halted  now,  and  the 
battery  has  the  exact  range  Just  to  the  right  of  the  colors  it 
makes  its  fearful  furrow.  But  the  men  close  right  in  to  fill  the 
gap,  with  true  heroism,  choosing  rather  to  face  certain  death 
than  to  acknowledge,  even  to  themselves,  that  they  are  not 
'clear  grit.' 

4t  But  the  zip  of  the  rifle-balls  grows  more  frequent,  a  terrible 
musketry  fire  opens  on  us,  and  the  air  seems  full  of  leaden 
missiles. 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  AND  ANTIETAM.  73 

1862.  "  Rifles  are  shot  to  pieces  in  the  hands  of  the  soldiers,  can- 
Sept.  17.  teens  and  haversacks  are  riddled  with  bullets,  the  dead  and 
wounded  go  down  in  scores  The  smoke  and  fog  lift;  and 
almost  at  our  feet,  concealed  in  a  hollow  behind  a  demolished 
fence,  lies  a  rebel  brigade  pouring  into  our  ranks  the  most 
deadly  fire  of  the  war.  What  there  are  left  of  us  open  on  them 
with  a  cheer;  and  the  next  day  the  burial-parties  put  up  a 
board  immediately  in  front  of  the  position  held  by  the  Twelfth 
with  the  following  inscription:  'In  this  trench  lie  buried  the 
colonel,  major,  six  line  officers,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  men 

of  the Georgia  Regiment. ' 

"  For  three  hours  we  stood  this  terrible  fire:  and,  when  we 
were  relieved,  our  color-guard  were  all  killed  or  wounded:  of 
thirty-two  men  in  Company  G  seven  were  killed  and  twenty 
wounded,  and  the  other  companies  lost  in  the  same  proportion. 
"Our  brigade  captured  the  colors  of  the  First  Texas;  and, 
when  they  were  delivered  to  the  provost-guard,  our  friend,  the 
lawyer-captain,  said  he  felt  quite  at  home." 

The  length  of  time  Hartsuff's  brigade  was  in  action 
seems  to  be  a  matter  of  dispute.  In  the  above  graphic 
story  the  time  is  set  as  "three  hours."  Major  Gould 
of  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  claimed  to  have  timed  the 
affair  on  the  spot,  by  his  watch ;  he  says  u  one  hour  and 
twenty  minutes :"  but  the  official  records  show  that  the 
Twelfth  was  engaged  four  hours, — from  five  A.M.  until 
nine  A.M. 

The  ' '  best-brigade  ' '  portion  of  the  story  seems  to 
have  been  universally  accepted.  If  it  is  correct,  the  mes 
sage  must  have  been  sent  to  Ricketts  —  not  Doubleday. 
Gen.  Hooker  in  after-years  had  no  recollection  of  ever 
sending  such  a  message,  and  no  trace  of  it  can  be  found 
among  his  staff  in  that  battle. 

After  the  battle,  and  while  in  Washington  recovering 
from  his  wound,  Gen.  Hooker,  in  discussing  the  fight, 
claimed  that  his  corps  fought  the  entire  rebel  army.  It  is 
an  actual  fact,  that,  so  furious  was  Hooker's  attack, 
Lee  stripped  his  right  to  re-enforce  his  left.  Had  Btirnside 
availed  himself  of  his  opportunity,  Antietam  might  have 
been  a  decisive  victory  for  the  Union  cause.  Confronted 
by  a  single  brigade  of  Georgia  troops,  the  Ninth  Corps 
commander,  with  his  corps  at  his  back,  wasted  time.  As 


74  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  he  did  carry  the  stone  bridge  later  in  the  day,  when  it 
was  defended  by  a  full  division,  it  is  no  injustice  to  say 
he  ought  to  have  carried  it  earlier,  when  held  only  by  a 
single  brigade.  McClellan's  plan  of  battle  was  simple  and 
perfect, — break  the  enemy's  left,  turn  his  right,  and  crush 
his  centre.  He  succeeded  in  the  first ;  Burnside  failed 
him  in  the  second ;  it  was  useless  to  essay  the  third, 
though  an  attack  was  made  on  the  Confederate  centre 
later  in  the  day. 

Antietam  was  a  Union  victoiy,  for  Lee  abandoned  the 
field  and  retreated.  Its  moral  effect  was  cheering,  de 
spite  the  disaster  at  Harper's  Ferry  ;  for  Lee  was  obliged 
to  postpone  his  scheme  of  Northern  invasion,  and  the  war 
was  relegated  back  to  Virginia.  And,  whatever  may  have 
been  McClellan's  faults  and  weaknesses,  it  is  simple  jus 
tice  to  award  him  great  praise  for  so  inspiriting  Pope's 
worn-out  and  disheartened  legions  as  to  make  them  capa 
ble  of  fighting  such  a  battle  a  fortnight  after  their  Bull- 
Run  experience.  Certain  wiseacres  at  home,  who  were 
eternally  crying,  u  Why  don't  the  army  move?"  blame 
McClellan  for  not  following  Lee  pell-mell.  What  McClel 
lan's  army  had  been  two  weeks  before  the  battle  should 
be  duly  weighed  against  what  Lee's  army  was  after  the 
battle,  ere  this  point  is  adjudicated. 

Sept.  is.  Was  spent  on  the  battle-field  burying  the  dead  and  suc 
coring  the  wounded.  Capt.  Cook  commanded  what  was 
left  of  the  regiment. 

Sept.  21.  Mail.  Col.  Bates  assumed  command,  having  been 
promoted  from  major  of  Thirty-third  Massachusetts  to 
colonel  of  Twelfth. 

Sept. 22.  Reveille  at  two  A.M.,  orders  to  maroh  having  been  re 
ceived.  At  five  A.M.  marching  orders  were  counter 
manded. 

Sept.  23.  Marching  orders  received  and  countermanded.  Part  of 
the  regiment  —  alternating  with  part  of  Ninth  New  York  — 
was  detailed  to  guard  rebel  wounded.  Cool  nights,  and 
little  clothing. 

Oct.  i.  Heavy  firing  heard  in  direction  of  Harper's  Ferry.  In 
afternoon  moved  nearer  the  river,  one  hundred  rods  from 
the  canal. 


SOUTH   MOUNTAIN  AND   ANT  I ET  AM.  75 

1862.        President  Lincoln  and  Gen.  McClellan  visited  the  camp 

Oct<  2t      and  reviewed  the  corps. 

Oct.  s.  Lincoln  and  McClellan  reviewed  the  division,  and 
shortly  afterwards  the  brigade.  By  calling  in  detailed 
men  and  convalescents,  the  Twelfth  was  able  to  muster 
one  hundred  and  nineteen  men. 

Oct.  4.          Ambulances  carried  the  wounded  to  general  hospital. 

Oct.  s.  A  new  brigade-commander  succeeds  Hartsuff,  —  Gen. 
Taylor.  Full  rations  drawn,  the  first  for  months. 

Oct  9.  The  Twenty-first  New  Jersey  halted  by  our  camp  for  a 
short  time. 

Oct.  11.         Brigade  review.     Overcoats  received. 

Oct.  16.         Firing  heard  in  direction  of  Harper's  Ferry. 

Oct.  21.         Marching  orders  received. 

Oct.  22.         Heavy  storm.     Marching  orders  suspended. 

Oct.  25.  Broke  camp  in  afternoon.  Marched  in  a  furious  rain  to 
Sharpsburg.  Twelfth,  rear-guard  for  division.  Bivou 
acked  in  Sharpsburg. 

Oct. 27.  Reveille  at  four  A.M.,  marched  at  six  A.M.  Crossed 
South  Mountain  by  Thornton's  Gap.  Camped  at  Bucketts- 
ville. 

Oct.  28.  Reveille  at  4.30  A.M.  Marched  at  five  A.M.  ;  camped  at 
Berlin. 

Oct.  so.  Marched  at  five  A.M.  Company  H  rejoined  the  regi 
ment,  having  been  relieved  from  provost.  Crossed  the 
Potomac  at  Berlin  Station,  on  pontoons.  Camped  near 
Lovettsville. 

Oct.  31.  Reveille  at  six  A.M.  ;  drew  one  day's  rations.  Break 
fasted,  struck  tents,  and  —  waited.  At  three  P.M.  marched 
to  Lovettsville,  and  camped. 

NOV.  i.  Reveille  at  five  A.M.,  marched  at  nine.  After  four  miles 
reached  Waterford, — a  small  place,  but  "Union  to  the 
core."  The  inhabitants  turned  out,  and,  to  the  best  of 
their  ability,  fed  the  regiment.  Met  the  Thirty-sixth 
Massachusetts.  After  two  hours'  sta}"  at  Waterford, 
continued  the  march,  camping  two  miles  beyond  Hamil 
ton,  —  another  Union  settlement.  Some  recruits  arrived 
at  night. 

NOV.  2.  Sunday.  Inspection  at  ten  A.M.  Firing  heard  all  da}'. 
Just  after  "turning  in"  for  the  night,  marching  orders 


76  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  were  received.  After  packing  up  and  making  some  coffee, 
the  regiment  —  waited  till  daylight. 

NOV.  s.          Marched  at  two  P.M.  ;  camped  at  Bloomfield. 

NOV.  4.  Marched  at  one  P.M.  ;  after  eight  miles,  halted  to  allow 
wagon-train  to  pass.  Gen.  McClellan  and  staff  were  rid 
ing  with  the  train,  and  were  cordially  received.  Marched 
ten  miles,  and  camped  on  a  plantation  belonging  to  a  reb 
officer.  If  not  "  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey," 
said  plantation  proved  to  be  a  fair  equivalent ;  for  eighty 
bushels  of  potatoes,  two  hundred  chickens,  and  two  kegs 
of  powder  were  but  a  sample  of  what  rewarded  diligent 
search. 

A  member  of  Company  K  (afterwards  killed  in  action) 
writes  at  this  time,  — 

"  We  are  having  quite  cold  nights  now;  and  last  night,  as  I 
was  on  guard,  I  suffered  very  much.  There  is  also  every  pros 
pect  of  our  being  out  here  the  remainder  of  this  winter,  sure. 
It  is,  I  suppose,  all  right;  but  the  only  comfort  that  I  can  get 
from  the  knowledge  is,  that  we  are  here  to  protect  our  country 
from  the  hands  of  those  who  seek  to  destroy  it.  And  may  God 
give  us  strength,  even  if  thousands  of  America's  best  sons,  ay, 
and  if  I  too,  have  to  fall,  to  restore  it  whole  and  untarnished." 

NOV.  5.  Marching  orders  received  at  nine  A.M.  Moved  at  eleven 
A.M.,  Franklin's  corps  in  rear,  Companies  II  and  K  as 
rear-guard.  Road  obstructed  by  wagons,  compelling  a 
halt  in  front  of  a  plantation  belonging  to  Col.  Delaiuia  of 
the  C.S.A.  Marched  four  miles  farther,  and  camped. 
Nearly  all  day  the  heads  of  the  three  columns  of  Sigel, 
Franklin,  and  Reynolds  could  be  seen  at  one  time.  Dur 
ing  the  day  met  the  Seventh  and  Tenth  Massachusetts. 
Firing  heard  in  the  direction  of  Thoroughfare. 

NOV.  e.  Reveille  at  sunrise.  Marched  at  seven  A.M.  Camped 
nine  miles  from  Warrenton. 

NOV.  7.  Marched  at  seven  A.M.  Camped  two  miles  beyond 
Warrenton.  Pickets  posted  three  miles  from  camp. 
Heavy  snow-storm.  Late  at  night  McClellan  was  re 
lieved  from  command. 

Of  all  the  officers  in  the  Union  army,  the  lot  fell  to  Gen. 
Burnside  to  be  the  successor  of  McClellan.     It  was  one 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  AND   ANTIETAM.  77 

1862.  of  the  political  moves  of  the  war,  unwise  and  inexplicable. 
Bnrnside's  recent  performance  at  Antietam  bridge  had 
betrayed  no  signal  proof  of  ability.  Being,  as  he  was,  a 
personal  friend  to  McClellan,  his  conduct  on  Sept.  17 
cannot  be  attributed  to  half-hearted  ness  or  lack  of  faith  in 
his  superior  officer.  Neither  is  it  just  to  accuse  him  of 
timidity,  for  Burnside  was  personalty  a  brave  man.  One 
word  expresses  it  all, — incompetency.  And  into  his 
hands  were  placed  the  fortunes  of  the  Potomac  army, 
and  with  them  the  fortunes  of  the  country.  The  universal 
testimony  of  history  is,  that  at  this  time  McClellan  was 
doing  better  than  ever  before.  But  the  mandate  was, 
"  Away  with  him  !  "  and  so  McClellan  was  consigned  to' 
quasi  obscurity,  and  the  army  had  a  new  leader. 


78  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

UNDER   BUENSIDE,  —  FREDERICKSBURG. 

1862.     Ill  ARCHED  at  5.30A.M.     After  plodding  over  eleven 

NOV.  s.  Jj  miles,  the  refreshing  discover}'  of  "  wrong  road  "  was 
made.  Retraced  the  route  for  four  miles,  then  inarched 
twenty-one  miles,  reaching  Rappahannock  Station  at  six 
P.M.  The  division  was  ordered  to  support  Gen.  Bayard's 
cavalry,  the  Twelfth  guarding  the  bridge. 

NOV.  9.  At  daylight  rebs  were  getting  a  battery  in  position,  but 
a  rapid  movement  by  Bayard  quashed  the  enterprise.  At 
four  P.M.  marched  two  miles  to  Cromley's  Ford.  Artil 
lery  firing  on  the  right  all  night. 

NOV.  10.        Pickets  chatting  across  the  river. 

NOV  11  Cold  night.  Colonel's  mess-chest  broken  into,  and  con 
tents  "  confiscated." 

NOV.  12.  An  enthusiastic  reb  came  to  the  river  bearing  a  Con 
federate  flag.  Our  battery  attended  to  the  matter  very 
successfully. 

NOV.  is.  Relieved  at  nine  A.M.  by  Thirteenth  Massachusetts. 
Marched  a  mile  to  the  rear,  and  camped  in  a  fine  piece  of 
woods.  Stormy  night. 

NOV.  14.        Very  windy.     Brigade  drill  at  ten  A.M. 

NOV.  15.        At  two  P.M.  inspected  and  reviewed  by  Gen.  Bayard. 

NOV.  16.  Ordered  to  join  Tower's  brigade,  the  Ninety-seventh 
New  York  taking  our  place.  Licut.-Col.  Allen  and  Capt. 
Ripley  rejoined  the  regiment.  At  ten  A.M.  marched  four 
miles  to  join  Tower. 

NOV.  17.  On  the  road  at  six  A.M.  Marched  sixteen  miles  via 
Morrisville,  reached  Deep  Creek  at  two  P.M.,  and  camped. 

NOV.  is.  Struck  tents  at  eight  A.M.  ;  after  marching  a  few  rods, 
halted  to  let  Pennsylvania  Reserves  pass.  Marched  at 


FREDER1CKSBURG.  79 

1862.  eleven  A.M.  over  ten  miles  of  very  bad  road,  well  blocked 
by  Ninth-Corps  wagons.  When  five  miles  from  Falmouth, 
passed  Thirty-fifth  Massachusetts. 

NOV.  19.  At  7.30  A.M.  marched  four  miles,  reaching  Stafford 
Court  House  at  noon.  A  good  country  for  foraging  ;  but, 
alas !  Pope's  orders  had  been  rescinded.  Very  short 
rations. 

Nov.  20.  Artillery  firing  heard  across  Rappahannock.  At  eleven 
A.M.  a  violent  thunder-storm.  It  has  rained  incessantly 
since  the  10th. 

NOV.  21.  Storm  abating.  Details  from  regiment  sent  to  build  a 
bridge  across  Aquia  Creek. 

NOV. 22.        Marching  orders.     Countermanded. 

NOV.  23.  Reveille  before  daylight;  "general"  at  7.30  A.M. 
Stacked  arms,  and  waited  for  Taylor's  brigade  to  pass, 
then  marched  seven  miles  to  Brooks 's  Station.  After  get 
ting  into  camp,  Taylor's  brigade  marched  b}'.  The}'  had 
got  on  the  wrong  road.  (A  characteristic  of  Burnside's 
administration.)  At  sunset  a  batteiy  fired  a  salute  in 
honor  of  Gen.  Burnside.  No  rations.  This  was  the 
normal  condition  during  the  stay  here.  The  camp  was 
christened  —  very  truly  —  "  Starvation  Hill." 

NOV.  27.        Thanksgiving  Day.     Cold  and  hungry. 

NOV.  28.        Battalion  drill. 

Dec.  3.  Marching  orders  received  and  countermanded.  Dress- 
parade  for  the  first  time  since  July  10.  One  hundred  and 
fifl}T  thousand  troops  said  to  be  camped  in  the  vicinity. 

Dec.  5.          Snow.     Marching  orders  received  and  countermanded. 

Dec.  6.  Intensely  cold.  Many  cases  of  frost-bite.  Absolutely 
nothing  to  eat,  as  usual,  and  ven-  little  to  wear. 

Dec.  9.  Reveille  at  five  A.M.  Marched  at  seven  A.M.  Camped 
at  one  P.M.,  having  marched  without  a  halt. 

Dec.  10.        Marched  at  one  P.M.     After  an  hour's  journej',  passed 
the  memorable  spot  where  —  under  McDowell  —  we  shed 
company-tents   and  regimental   wagons.      Bivouacked  at  . 
night  within  three  miles  of  Belle  Plain. 

Dec.  11.  Marched  at  3.30  A.M.,  reaching  the  Rappahannock  at 
seven  A.M.  Fredericksburg  was  being  vigorously  shelled, 
and  the  Confederate  lines  of  battle  were  plainly  visible. 
The  Twelfth,  with  the  rest  of  Franklin's  left  grand  divis- 


80  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  ion,  waited  for  the  bridges.  The  engineers  lost  ninety 
men  while  laying  a  bridge  of  nineteen  boats.  Orders  to 
cross  were  countermanded,  and  the  Twelfth  bivouacked  on 
the  north  bank  of  the  river. 

Dec.  12.  Crossed  early  in  the  morning,  the  Twelfth  leading  its 
brigade.  Formed  line  of  battle  on  the  south  side  of  river. 
The  Confederates  fired  a  few  harmless  shots,  and  the 
troops  rested  on  their  arms  for  the  night.  The  weathar 
was  cold,  the  fog  seemed  to  pierce  one's  very  bones,  fires 
and  smoking  were  strictly  forbidden :  that  dreary  night 
will  not  be  forgotten  b}-  those  who  la}'  shivering  in  the 
darkness,  gloomily  watching  the  bright  bonfires  of  the 
Confederate  pickets. 

DOC.  13.  A  dense  fog.  At  nine  A.M.  the  First  Corps  moved  its 
left  division.  At  eleven  A.M.  the  fog  lifted  ;  and  Gibbon's 
division,  crossing  the  Bowling-Green  road,  entered  the 
cornfield.  At  one  P.M.  the  brigade  relieved  Gen.  Taylor. 
In  advancing,  the  Twelfth  got  separated  from  the  rest  of 
the  brigade.  The  regiment  advanced  alone  till  it  had  ex 
pended  all  its  ammunition,  and  was  just  rejoining  its 
brigade  when  Gen.  Taylor  called  for  a  charge.  Over  the 
railroad,  through  the  ditch,  into  the  woods,  rushed  the 
Twelfth,  capturing  two  hundred  prisoners.  No  supports 
coming,  the  regiment  fell  back  slowly  and  in  good  order. 
On  reaching  the  rear,  rations  and  ammunition  were  issued. 
The  Twelfth  had  been  six  hours  under  fire,  but  its  greatest 
loss  was  during  the  last  two  hours.  Two  hundred  and 
fifty-eight  men  went  into  action.  The  casualty  list 
was, — 

OFFICERS.          ENLISTED   MEN.          TOTAL. 

Killed 4  10  14 

Wounded         .....      19  69  88 

Missing  /       .         .        1  2  3 

105 

Dec.  is.        Rested  in  line  of  battle  during  the  night. 

I)cc  14         At  three  A.M.  brigade  marched  to  support  Doubleday  on 

the  left.     At  night  recrossed  the  river. 
Dec.  is.         One  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  brigade  crossed  under  flag 

of  truce  to  bur}*  dead  and  assist  wounded.     The  reb  and 


FREDKRICKSBURG.  81 

1862.    Union  burial-parties  chatted  freely,  and  traded  the  usual 
DtJC- 15>     staples  of  life.     Both  sides  agreed  that  they  were  heartily 

sick  of  it,  and  wished  "  this  cruel  war  "  was  over. 

Gen.  Meade's  official  report  mentions  an  officer  o/  the 

Twelfth :- 

"I  despatched  my  aide-de-camp,  Lieut.  Dehon,  with  orders 
for  Gen  Jackson  to  move  by  the  right  flank  till  he  could  clear 
the  open  ground,  and  then,  ascending  the  height  through  the 
woods,  sweep  round  to  the  left  and  take  the  battery.  Unfortu 
nately  Lieut.  Dehon  fell  just  as  he  reached  Gen.  Jackson;  and, 
a  short  time  after,  the  latter  officer  was  killed  .  .  .  The  loss  of 
Lieut  Arthur  Dehon,  Twelfth  Regiment,  my  aide,  is  greatly  to 
be  deplored;  as  he  was  a  young  man  of  high  promise,  endeared 
to  all  that  knew  him  for  his  manly  virtues  and  amiable  char 
acter  " 

Another  member  of  the  regiment  is  embalmed  in  a  dif 
ferent  fashion  in  the  following  tale  :  — 

44  Just  at  dusk  on  Friday,  Dec.  12,  1862,  our  chaplain  came  up 

to  the  fire  around  which  were  gathered  our  colonel,  Col.  C 

of  the  Eleventh  Pennsylvania,  our  lieutenant-colonel,  and  several 
other  officers,  including  the  sutler. 

44  Saluting  the  colonel  very  respectfully  and  awkwardly,  he 
said, — 

44  *  Colonel,  I  would  like,  with  your  permission,  to  go  over  to 
the  farmhouse  yonder,  and  get  some  supper.  I  have  taken 
possession  of  some  corn  for  my  horse,  and  now  would  like  to 
look  out  a  little  for  myself  ' 

44 '  But,  Mr.  W ,'  said  the  colonel,  l  don't  you  know  that 

the  house  is  within  the  rebel  picket-lines,  and  they  have  a  battery 
and  a  picket  on  this  side  of  it?  ' 

44  '  Yes  :  but,  colonel,  I'm  pretty  hungry;  and  you  don't  think 
they  would  harm  a  chaplain,  do  you?  ' 

44  The  lieutenant-colonel  now  broke  in  with,  — 

44  4  Let  him  go,  colonel :  they  won't  keep  him  long.  Let  me 
see:  it's  Friday  to-day;  let  him  preach  them  one  sermon  Sunday, 
they'll  be  glad  enough  to  send  him  back  Monday  morning.' 

44  The  chaplain  did  not  go." 

Members  of  the  regiment  will  recognize  the  photo 
graphic  accuracy  of  the  above. 

Col.  Bates,  under  date  of  Dec.  1C,  18G2,  writes  to  Gen. 
Schouler  the  following  :  — 


82  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.          "I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  particulars  of  the  battle  of 
Dec.  15.     Fredericks  burg,  fought  on  the  13th  inst.,  so  far  as  the  Twelfth 
was  concerned. 

"Our  position  at  the  right  of  the  line  was  taken  at  nine 
o'clock  A.M.  :  the  enemy  was  hidden  from  sight  by  a  thick  wood. 
We  remained  lying  down  until  one  o'clock  P.M.,  under  a  brisk 
fire  of  shot  and  shell,  the  skirmishers  being  hotly  engaged,  the 
balls  of  the  enemy  passing  over  us.  During  those  four  hours 
we  had  but  one  man  of  the  Twelfth  injured.  At  one  o'clock 
the  signal  to  advance  was  given  to  the  whole  division.  Imme 
diately  the  advance  began,  when  a  heavy  firing  of  musketry 
broke  from  the  whole  line  of  woods  in  our  front.  Gen.  Taylor's 
brigade  stood  the  fire  some  thirty  minutes,  when  ours  was 
ordered  to  relieve  them.  As  we  advanced,  our  regiment  got 
separated  from  the  brigade  by  the  retiring  regiments  of  the 
Third,  and  continued  to  advance  independently,  taking  a  posi 
tion,  and  firing  until  our  ammunition  began  to  fail.  Our  bri 
gade  had  fallen  to  the  rear,  and  we  were  alone  until  the  third 
line  came  forward  :  our  solid  ranks  broke  the  right  of  this  line, 
which  opened  to  the  right  and  left,  to  get  to  the  front,  where  it 
was  quickly  formed.  We  followed  the  regiment,  Sixteenth 
Maine,  now  in  our  front,  a  short  distance,  and,  being  out  of 
ammunition,  were  about  to  join  our  brigade  in  the  rear  when 
Col  Root  came  to  me,  saying,  '  Don't  retire.'  I  told  him  our 
condition.  'Never  mind,'  said  he,  'I  am  going  to  make  a 
charge.'  I  at  once  gave  the  command  to  fix  bayonets  and  file 
to  the  right  of  this  brigade,  and  charged  with  them  into  the 
woods.  About  two  hundred  of  the  enemy  rushed  through  our 
lines  without  arms,  and  gave  themselves  up  as  prisoners  of  war. 
We  carried  our  position,  and  remained  waiting  some  time  for  a 
support.  It  did  not  come;  none  was  insight;  a  fatal  fire  was 
still  kept  up  by  an  unseen  foe,  and  our  men  were  constantly 
falling.  Capts.  Ilipley,  Reed,  Packard,  and  Clark  were  already 
wounded,  and  a  hundred  of  our  men  had  fallen;  and  we  were 
compelled  reluctantly  to  abandon  our  position.  I  consulted 
with  the  officers,  and  they  decided  it  was  useless  to  remain;  and 
the  order  was  given  to  '  about  face.'  We  marched  back  slowly 
and  reluctantly,  in  good  order,  bearing  our  tattered  banners 
with  us  safely.  As  we  emerged  from  the  woods,  Gen.  Taylor 
rode  up  to  me,  saying,  '  Colonel,  I  am  now  in  command  of  the 
division'  (Gen.  Gibbon  having  been  wounded).  'Keep  your 
position  :  there  is  your  support,'  at  the  same  time  pointing  to  a 
force  just  emerging  from  the  woods  on  our  left.  This  force  I  had 
before  observed,  and  informed  the  general  that  it  was  a  force  of 


FREDERICKSBURG.  83 

1862.  the  enemy.  He  looked  again,  and  it  proved  to  be  the  advance 
Dec.  15.  Of  a  portion  of  the  enemy.  We  were  then  ordered  to  the  line 
occupied  in  the  morning  to  await  orders.  As  we  retired,  we 
took  with  us  our  wounded  officers.  After  reaching  our  position, 
we  were  supplied  with  ammunition  and  rations.  We  remained 
under  arms  during  the  night,  and  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
14th  were  ordered  to  a  new  position,  where  we  remained  until 
the  night  of  the  15th,  when  we  recrossed  the  river  with  the 
corps.  The  Twelfth  was  under  fire  six  hours.  Our  loss  was 
made,  with  the  exception  of  one  man,  during  the  last  two  hours 
of  the  six.  During  that  time  we  lost  one  hundred  and  five  out 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty-eight  which  we  took  into  the  fight. 
And  now  permit  me  to  bear  testimony  to  the  gallantry  of  both 
officers  and  men.  Every  order  was  obeyed  promptly;  and  not  a 
man  fell  from  the  ranks  except  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  a 
few  who  were  detailed  to  care  for  the  wounded.  Not  once  did 
the  regiment  falter.  As  soon  as  one  man  fell  from  the  ranks 
they  were  closed  again,  and  officers  and  men  were  enthusiastic. 
Lieut. -Col.  Allen  was  ubiquitous;  Capt.  Ripley  was  firm  as 
adamant;  Capts.  Handy,  Cook,  Hastings,  Reed,  Packard,  and 
Clark  were  all  active  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their 
duties.  But  it  is  hard  to  particularize  where  all  discharged  their 
duties  so  faithfully.  Our  State  flag,  which  is  riddled  and  torn 
to  shreds,  I  propose  sending  to  you,  to  be  preserved  as  a  sacred 
relic,  should  you  approve  of  my  doing  so.  It  can  be  carried 
no  longer  except  it  be  furled."  l 

"The  Boston  Herald"  of  Dec.  16,  1862,  says, - 

"  It  was  a  grand  sight  to  see  the  old  and  tried  Twelfth  Regi 
ment,  when  ordered  to  the  front,  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  left 
wing,  led  on  by  one  of  the  bravest  of  men  —  Col.  Bates  —  and 
his  entire  corps  of  under  officers,  in  command  of  the  bravest 
boys  that  ever  took  the  field,  march  with  steady  steps  and  rapid 
firing  to  the  thicket.  They  charged  into  the  woods  in  face  and 
eyes  of  a  perfect  shower  of  leaden  hail  from  the  rebels  con 
cealed  in  the  trenches  and  brush.  The  brave  boys  never 
flinched,  but  fought  until  their  ammunition  was  exhausted.  On 
this  occasion  the  Twelfth  Regiment  secured  to  themselves  im 
mortal  honors  in  the  manner  in  which  they  fought  and  fell." 


1  This  flag,  together  with  the  United-States  flag  which  the  regiment  had 
carried  up  to  this  time,  were  sent  to  Washington,  and,  while  there  awaiting 
transportation  to  Massachusetts,  were  burned  in  a  fire  in  the  navy-department 
building. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1862.  In  "  Campaigns  of  the  Civil  War,"  vol.  v.  p.  158, 
Gen.  F.  W.  Palfrey,  speaking  of  Gen.  Franklin's  move 
ments  on  Dec.  13,  says,— 

"It  is  not  quite  clear  why  Gibbon,  on  the  right  of  Meade, 
did  not  accomplish  more.  The  wood  was  so  dense  the  connec 
tion  between  his  line  and  Meade's  could  not  be,  or  was  not, 
kept  up.  At  least,  that  reason  is  assigned  by  Franklin.  But 
Gibbon  himself  says,  that  the  left  of  his  leading  brigade  was 
thrown  into  confusion  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy  posted  behind 
the  railroad  embankment,  and  that  all,  except  the  Twelfth  Mas 
sachusetts,  of  the  brigade  then  ordered  up  in  support,  and  posted 
on  the  left,  "  soon  fell  into  confusion,  and  most  of  it  retired  in 
disorder."  After  all  of  Lyle's  brigade,  and  all  of  Taylor's  ex 
cept  the  Ninety-seventh  New  York  and  Eighty-eighth  Pennsyl 
vania,  had  given  way,  Root's  brigade  was  ordered  up. 

"The  Twelfth  Massachusetts  and  some  remnants  joined  it; 
and  the  force  advanced  gallantly,  and  took  the  embankment  and 
some  prisoners." 

An  extract  from  a  letter  written  by  one  of  the  regiment 
about  Nov.  27  gives  a  correct  idea  of  its  condition  during 
the  winter  campaign  of  1862  :  — 

"  We  have  not  food  enough  to  keep  a  bird  alive:  for  forty- 
eight  hours  not  a  man  in  our  mess  has  had  a  morsel,  and  I  am 
confident  that  this  is  the  state  all  through  the  division.  Our  cloth 
ing,  too  —  some  of  the  boys  are  not  half  clad,  and  our  regiment 
is  not  an  exception.  While  at  Sharpsburg  ten  requisitions  for 
clothing  were  sent  to  Washington;  and,  after  the  tenth  demand, 
some  coats  and  pants  were  sent  to  us:  but  the  men  in  the  regi 
ment  to-day  with  suitable  clothing  are  more  easily  counted 
than  those  without.  There  are  very  many  men  in  the  Twelfth 
who  have  not  had  a  shirt  on  their  backs  for  over  six  months ;  as 
many  more  are  without  shoes,  and  in  this  season  of  the  year 
our  boys  are  suffering  greatly." 

Why  thus?  is  a  very  natural  query.  It  seems  that, 
when  Burnside  left  Warrenton  for  Fredericksburg,  Ilalleck 
agreed  to  deliver  the  pontoons  at  Falmouth  simultane 
ously  with  the  arrival  of  the  arm}'  there.  The  movement 
was  to  be  in  the  nature  of  a  surprise  to  Lee,  who  was  in 
the  vicinity  of  Culpeper.  Burnside  marched  his  arm}*, 
Ilalleck  returned  to  Washington,  and  —  failed  to  send  the 
bridges.  The  result  was,  that  when  Burnside's  heads  of 


FREDERICKSBURG.  85 

1862.  columns  appeared  in  front  of  Fredericksburg,  the  pon 
toons  were  where  McClellan  had  left  them,  at  Berlin. 
And,  while  the  unlucky  Burnside  was  seizing  every  thing 
that  went  on  wheels  to  haul  his  bridge-train,  his  unlucky 
army  was  quietly  starving,  and  had  the  keen  pleasure  of 
daily  beholding  Lee  building  the  trap  into  which  they 
walked  on  the  13th  of  December. 

Up  to  Dec.  11,  18G2,  the  fault  was  not  Burnside's.  He 
was  the  victim  of  untoward  circumstances.  But  for  the 
movement  across  the  river  he  is  alone  responsible.  So 
tremendous  were  Lee's  preparations  that  even  the  bold 
spirit  of  Hooker  recoiled,  and  on  that  December  afternoon 
bitterly  protested  against  the  slaughter. 

The  difference  between  Burnside  at  Antietam  and  Burn- 
side  at  Fredericksburg  is  so  great  as  to  be  incompre 
hensible.  There  were  not  wanting  those  who  whispered 
that  the  Union  commander  had  been  pouring  spirits  down 
in  hopes  of  raising  his  own  ;  but  this  is  an  unsettled 
point,  and  Burnside  is  surely  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  the 
doubt.  Lee  never  gained  a  cheaper  victoiy. 

Dec.  16.  In  a  bitter  rain-storm  the  regiment  marched  four  miles, 
passing  the  Thirty-fifth  Massachusetts,  and  camping  in  a 
wood  near  Falmouth.  Lee's  batteries  were  busy  all  night. 

Dec.  19.  Reveille  at  six  A.M.  At  nine  marched  without  halting 
to  Belle  Plain,  where  we  found  orders  sending  us  to  King 
George's  Court  House,  twenty-four  miles  away.  Started 
immediately,  halting  once,  and  camped  at  night  in  a  thick 
wood  nine  miles  from  the  Court  House. 

Dec.  20.  Reached  the  Court  House  at  sunset.  During  the  day 
our  pickets  brought  in  a  reb  so  overcome  by  the  intense 
cold  that  he  could  neither  walk  nor  speak. 

Dec.  21.         Snow-storm  at  night. 

Dec.  22.  Marched  at  sunrise.  Camped  one  mile  from  Belle 
Plain,  and  began  to  build  winter  quarters.  The  regi 
mental  outfit  consisted  of  two  axes,  three  hatchets,  and 
one  hammer ;  but  by  New- Year's  Day  the  huts  were 
finished,  and  the  regiment  in  its  winter  quarters.  Officially 
known  as  "  Camp  near  Belle  Plain,"  it  is  doubtless  more 
familiar  to  the  men  of  the  regiment  b}T  the  title  of  "  Smoky 
Hollow."  A  brook  ran  through  the  camp. 


86  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  Dawned  bright  and  cold,  and  with  it  came  news  of  the 
Emancipation  Proclamation.  Many  were  opposed  to 
this  ;  but,  ere  the  war  closed,  opinions  were  changed. 

Jan.  3.  Dress- parade  ;  the  colonel  standing  in  solemn  state 
on  — 

"The  rude  bridge  which  spanned  the  flood," 

and  adding  to  his  list  of  sobriquets  that  of  "  Napoleon  on 
the  Bridge  of  Lodi." 

Jan.  12.  Battalion  drill :  in  the  afternoon  the  division  was  re 
viewed  by  its  new  commander,  Major-Gen.  John  C.  Rob 
inson  of  Binghamton,  N.Y. 

Jan.  16.         Changeable  weather  ;  frequent  light  falls  of  rain. 

Jan.  IT.         Orders  to  be  ready  to  move  at  an}'  moment. 

Jan.  20.  Broke  camp  at  eleven  A.M.  Marched  in  direction  of 
Banks's  Ford.  Late  at  night,  amid  a  furious  rain-storm, 
bivouacked  in  a  ploughed  field  four  miles  above  the  Ford. 

Jan.  21.  At  daylight  every  thing  one  sea  of  mud.  An  order 
from  Burnside  was  read  to  the  troops,  running  something 
thus :  — 

"  We  are  now  going  to  cross  the  Rappahannock  and  give  the 
enemy  battle.  Now  is  the  time  to  strike  a  blow  at  the  heart  of 
the  rebellion;  and,  men,  make  the  blow  decisive." 

The  regimental  response  was  a  grim  shout  of,  "  Played 
out!"  "Played  out!" 

At  eight  A.M.  marched  four  miles,  and  camped  in*  a 
wood  two  miles  from  the  river. 

Jan.  22.  Burnside  discovered  that  his  army  was  "  stuck  in  the 
mud."  (We  had  known  that  for  twenty-four  hours.) 
Orders  were  issued  for  the  men  to  return  to  their  old 
camps.  Then  began  the  episode  known  to  history  as 
"  Burnside's  Mud  March."  (At  the  time  it  was  styled 
"Burnside's  Virginia  Reel.")  The  surface  of  the  country 
was  a  vast  level  plain  of  mud,  with  an  occasional  hill-top 
peering  out ;  rain  was  steadily  falling ;  a  dismounted 
cavalryman,  as  he  floundered  by,  averred  that  "  the  whole 
bottom  had  fallen  out  of  the  blessed  country."  It  has 
often  been  described  :  it  is  useless  to  try  to  add  an}"  thing 
to  the  picture,  for  the  wildest  narrative  would  fail  to  do 


FREDERICKSBURG.  87 

1863.  full  justice  to  the  subject.  A  rumor  obtained  full  cre 
dence  at  the  time  that  an  entire  wagon-train  had  suddenly 
disappeared,  the  only  survivor  being  a  disconsolate  quar 
termaster,  who  saved  himself  by  clinging  to  the  topmost 
branches  of  a  large  tree.  Through  all  this,  in  squads  of 
twos  and  threes,  Burnside's  unfortunate  army  splashed, 
swam,  and  floundered  in  the  endeavor  to  regain  its  old 
camping-grounds. 

The  rebs  on  the  south  bank  of  the  river  kindly  volun 
teered  all  manner  of  verbal  assistance  ;  and  in  one  place 
they  scrawled  on  boards  the  too  true  tale,  "Burnside's 
army  stuck  in  the  mud,"  and  exposed  it  where  it  could 
be  plainly  read  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Pro 
fuse  in  offers  to  aid  in  laying  our  pontoons,  the}'  jeered 
and  laughed  at  the  unhappy  predicament  of  the  Union 
arm}',  which  —  without  an  ounce  of  dry  powder  —  had  to 
"  grin  and  bear  "  all  these  buffets  of  evil  fortune. 

Jan.  23.  At  nightfall  nearly  all  the  regiment  was  collected  at 
Smoky  Hollow,  where,  luckily,  it  found  its  huts  still 
standing. 

Jan.  24.         Was  spent  in  repairing  damages  and  cleaning  up. 

Jan.  25.  Burnsicle  —  at  his  own  request  —  was  relieved  from  com 
mand.  His  last  official  utterance  was  a  demand  for  a 
sweeping  dismissal  of  many  of  the  principal  officers  under 
him ;  being  refused  this,  he  tendered  his  own  resigna 
tion,  which — not  accepted  —  led  to  his  final  action  of 
requesting  to  be  relieved  from  command. 

A  certain  rosy-faced  and  daring  officer,  who  had  won 
on  the  Peninsula  the  title  of  "Fighting  Joe,"  —  who 
had  gained  much  glory  at  South  Mountain  and  Antietam, 
and  who  had  been  very  outspoken  in  scathing  denuncia 
tion  of  men  and  methods,  —  was  designated  as  the  succes 
sor  of  Bnrnside  :  and  to  his  charge  were  committed  the 
weary,  half-clothed,  half-fed  multitudes  that  composed  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Half-fed  and  half-clothed  ?  Yes.  The  men  were  suffer 
ing  fearfully  for  lack  of  proper  clothing  and  sufficient 
food.  But  it  is  difficult  to  place  the  blame  for  this  state 
of  things  where  it  belongs. 

It  was  impossible  for  our  quartermaster  to  obtain  cloth- 


88  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  ing)  although  he  made  frequent  requisitions  for  it.  March- 
Jan.  25.  ing-rations  onl}'  were  allowed,  and,  being  ordered  issued 
for  several  days,  would  frequently  be  ruined  by  rain  and 
dampness  before  others  were  due.  Frequent  changes  of 
bases  of  supplies,  and  limited  transportation,  added  much 
to  these  troubles.  Cold  weather  and  hard  work  gave  the 
men  keen  appetites ;  and  three,  five,  and  eight  days  of  in 
sufficient  rations  frequently  disappeared  from  this  cause 
much  sooner  than  intended. 


CHANCELLORS  VILLE.  89 


CHAPTER   VII. 

UNDER   HOOKER.  —  CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

EXECUTIVE  MANSION, 
WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  Jan.  26,  1863. 

1863.     MAJOR-GEN.  HOOKER. 

General,  —  I  have  placed  you  at  the  head  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  Of  course  I  have  done  this  upon  what  appears  to  me 
to  be  sufficient  reasons,  and  yet  I  think  it  best  for  you  to  know 
that  there  are  some  things  in  regard  to  which  I  am  not  quite 
satisfied  with  you.  I  believe  you  to  be  a  brave  and  skilful  sol 
dier,  which  of  course  I  like.  I  also  believe  you  do  not  mix 
politics  with  your  profession,  in  which  you  are  right.  You 
have  confidence  in  yourself,  which  is  a  valuable,  if  not  an  in 
dispensable,  quality.  You  are  ambitious,  which,  within  reason 
able  bounds,  does  good  rather  than  harm;  but  I  think,  that, 
during  Gen.  Burnside's  command  of  the  army,  you  have  taken 
counsel  of  your  ambition,  and  thwarted  him  as  much  as  you 
could,  in  which  you  did  a  great  wrong  to  the  country  and  to  a 
most  meritorious  and  honorable  brother  officer.  I  have  heard, 
in  such  a  way  as  to  believe  it,  of  your  recently  saying  that  both 
the  army  and  the  government  needed  a  dictator.  Of  course  it 
was  not  for  this,  but  in  spite  of  it,  that  I  have  given  you  the 
command.  Only  those  generals  who  gain  successes  can  set  up 
dictators.  What  I  now  ask  of  you  is  military  success,  and  I 
will  risk  the  dictatorship.  The  government  will  support  you  to 
the  utmost  of  its  ability,  which  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  it 
has  done  and  will  do  for  all  commanders.  I  much  fear  that  the 
spirit  which  you  have  aided  to  infuse  into  the  army,  of  criticis 
ing  their  commander  and  withholding  confidence  from  him, 
will  now  turn  upon  you.  I  shall  assist  you  as  far  as  I  can  to 
put  it  down.  Neither  you,  nor  Napoleon  if  he  were  alive 
again,  could  get  any  good  out  of  an  army  while  such  a  spirit 
prevails  in  it.  And  now  beware  of  rashness.  Beware  of  rash 
ness,  but  with  energy  and  sleepless  vigilance  go  forward  and 
give  us  victories. 

Yours  very  truly, 

A.  LINCOLN. 


90  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  With  this  letter  in  his  pocket  Hooker  assumed  the  com 
mand,  and  straightway  order  began  to  come  out  of  what 
had  been  chaos.  The  old  unwieldy  system  of  grand  divis 
ions  was  promptly  abolished,  and  the  army  divided  into 
corps ;  the  Twelfth  now  being  in  the  second  brigade, 
second  division,  First  Corps,  its  badge  the  familiar  white 
circle.  As  speedily  as  was  possible  the  men  were  clothed, 
and  the  commissaiy  was  sharply  looked  after. 

"  Smoky  Hollow,"  the  camp  of  the  Twelfth,  was  near 
Fletcher's  Chapel,  "  an  unpretending  frame-building, 
thirty  feet  long  and  forty  feet  wide.  The  disproportion 
in  its  width  was  owing  to  an  addition  to  one  side  of  the 
main  edifice ;  an  afterthought,  we  were  told,  for  the  ac 
commodation  of  the  colored  people,  as  the  church  was 
without  the  galleiy  usually  appropriated  to  their  use."  1 

"  Every  man  weighing  not  more  than  one  hundred  and 
forty-five  pounds,  during  the  four  months  of  our  stay  at 
Fletcher-Chapel  camp,  consumed  nearly  three  times  his 
weight  in  coffee  and  sugar,  bread,  meat,  onions,  and  po 
tatoes."  2 

Desertion,  which  under  the  Burnsicle  rale  had  been 
alarmingly  frequent,  was  promptly  checked.  A  S3'stem 
of  ten-day  furloughs  was  instituted,  drills  and  inspections 
kept  the  men  busy  :  in  a  little  while  the}r  looked  on  the 
past  as  a  hideous  dream,  and  turned  hopefully  to  the 
future. 

Among  other  new  features  introduced  were  the  brigade 
bakeries,  which  issued  fresh  bread  daily  to  the  troops. 
Though  some  growled  at  first,  averring  that  the  bread  was 
"  not  half  kneaded,"  the  general  view  was,  that  it  was  a 
needed  luxury  ;  and  the  faint  growl  of  discontent  speedily 
stilled. 

Jan.  26.  Paymaster  arrived.  One  gill  of  whiskey  issued  to  each 
man. 

Feb.  s.  Fifteen  men  from  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  ten  from 
Sixteenth  Maine,  and  ten  from  Twelfth  Massachusetts, 
detailed  as  provost  at  division  headquarters.  The  system 
of  furloughs  began. 

Feb.  9.  Detachment  out  building  a  bridge.  In  the  afternoon 
Gen.  Hooker  visited  the  regiment. 

1  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  171.  2  Ibid.,  p.  188. 


CHANCELLORS  VILLE.  9 1 

1863.        Adjutant  Haviland  (captured  at  Second  Bull  Run)  re- 

Feb.  10. 

turned  to  the  regiment. 
Feb.  12.         One  hundred  and  fort}*-six  men  called  for  picket,  the 

regiment  only  had  ninety-three  for  duty  :  these,  therefore, 

had  a  forty-eight  hours'  tour  of  picket  duty. 
Feb.  u.        Bakeries  finished,  and  from  this  date  soft  bread  was 

issued  daily.     Rained  and  snowed    steadily  till  Feb.  19, 
feb.  19.    wnen   a   picket  detail  took  every  man  in  the  regiment, 

camp-guard,  "pioneers  and  all." 
Money  scarce  ;  sutler's  prices  high. 

PER  LB. 

Butter 80 

Cheese    ........  .40 

Tea         . $3.00 

And  the  goods  were  of  decidedly  poor  quality,  even  when 
measured  by  the  sutler's  gauge. 

Feb.  22.        Washington's  birthday  ;  batteries  fired  a  national  salute. 

Mar.  i.         High  wind  and  driving  rain. 

Mar.  2:  Received  a  new  stand  of  colors  from  Boston.  All  sorts 
of  weather  during  the  night,  ending  in  frost,  which  made 
it  bad  for  the  barefooted  men,  of  whom  there  were  several. 

Mar.  10.  A  horse  and  equipments  presented  to  Major-Gen.  Rey 
nolds. 

Mar.  11.        Ordered  to  retain  all  bags  for  use  as  gabions. 

Earl}r  in  afternoon  Col.  Bates  returned  from  furlough. 
Had  called  on  Gov.  Andrew,  who  promised  to  try  and  get 
the  Twelfth  ordered  home  to  recruit ;  "it  being  the  small 
est  Massachusetts  regiment  in  the  field,  its  highest  aggre 
gate  falling  short  of  three  hundred  men  for  duty." 
In  a  regimental  order  of  this  date  is  the  following :  — 

"  The  colonel  commanding  will  make  the  effort  to  take  the 
regiment  to  Massachusetts  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting:  should 
he  succeed,  he  hopes  the  little  band  of  braves  remaining  will 
please  their  friends  at  home  as  much  by  their  gallant  and 
soldierlike  bearing  as  they  have  by  their  unflinching  courage  in 
the  field.  If  he  fails  in  his  attempt,  he  still  would  have  the 
Twelfth  as  marked  as  it  ever  has  been  in  all  that  makes  the 
true  soldier  and  patriot. 

"JAMES  L.  BATES, 

"  Col.  Commanding." 


92  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.         Severe  snow-storm.     Division  review  in  afternoon. 

Mar.' 20!         Corps  review.     Stormy  weather  for  a  week. 

Mar.  26.  Orders  received  reducing  baggage.  Wall-tents  to  be 
substituted  by  shelters,  pack-mules  instead  of  wagons, 
two  mules  to  carry  line-officers'  baggage,  staff  to  carry 
their  own.  A  rumor  was  abroad  that  Hooker  had  signed 
the  papers  returning  the  regiment  to  Massachusetts. 

Mar.  27.  The  pickets  brought  in  one  hundred  reb  deserters.  The 
pack-mules  arrived. 

Mar.  28.         The  entire  regiment  on  picket.     Furloughs  stopped. 

April  2.  Adjutant  Haviland  having  been  honorably  discharged, 
Lieut.  Charles  C.  Wehrum  was  appointed  adjutant.  The 
regret  felt  at  parting  with  Adjutant  Haviland  was  some 
what  relieved  by  the  knowledge  that  he  had  a  worthy  and 
able  successor. 

At  ten  A.M.  Gen.  Hooker  reviewed  the  corps. 

April  4.         A  detachment  of  signal-corps  arrived  at  headquarters. 

April  5.  Col.  Bates  received  a  letter  from  Gov.  Andrew,  saying 
that  he  "had  no  power  to  remove  a  regiment  from  the 
field,  but  had  made  application  to  the  Secretary  of  War, 
whose  decision  would  be  final." 

April  e.         President  Lincoln  and  wife  visited  camp. 

April  is.       Marching  orders  were  postponed  because  of  bad  roads. 

April  16.       At  three  A.M.  received  marching  orders. 

April  17.  Orders  to  move  were  countermanded.  Notice  was  given, 
that  hereafter  troops  would  be  required  to  carry  eight 
days'  rations. 

April  21.  Gen.  Henry  Baxter  of  Michigan  —  who  won  his  star  at 
Fredericksburg  —  commands  the  brigade. 

April  23.       Notified  to  be  read}'  to  move. 

April  28.  Struck  tents  at  twelve  M.  At  one  P.M.  marched.  After 
eight  miles  journey  in  a  drenching  rain,  overtook  the  Sixth 
Corps,  and  camped. 

April  29.  At  five  A.M.  a  heavy  fog.  Hooker's  famous  order, 
' '  Let  your  watchword  be  fight !  fight !  FIGHT  !  ' '  was  read 
to  the  men.  Marched  to  Pollock's  Mills.  Heavy  artil 
lery  firing  heard  all  da}'. 

April  so.  Found  the  regiment  lying  in  support  on  the  flats  below 
Falmouth,  and  vigorously  shelled  by  the  enemy.  The 
division  suffered  considerably,  one  shell  inflicting  a  serious 


CH AN  CELL  ORS  VILLE.  93 

1863.  loss  in  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts.  The  Twelfth  es 
caped  with  but  one  casualt}',  —  Thomas  B.  Critchet  of 
Company  I  losing  a  leg. 

Just  as  the  reb  batteries  opened  on  the  division,  the 
commissary  was  issuing  rations.  The  stampede  among 
the  teamsters  can  easily  be  imagined.  They  fled  incon 
tinent,  abandoning  every  thing,  probably  "  for  lack  of 
sufficient  transportation."  After  the  division  was  with 
drawn  to  the  shelter  of  a  ditch,  a  rumor  that  a  barrel  of 
whiske}T  was  among  the  abandoned  stores  induced  many 
exploring  parties  to  defy  the  rebel  batteries,  and  diligently 
search  for  the  treasure.  If  found,  it  was  never  heard 
from. 

When  retreating  to  the  shelter  of  the  ditch,  Garrett 
Harriett  of  Compan}r  I  brought  off  the  colors  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  New  York,  which  had  been  left  on 
the  ground  by  that  regiment. 

May  2.  At  midnight  reached  the  right  of  the  line,  twelve  miles 
above  Fredericksburg,  and  deployed  as  skirmishers  through 
the  woods. 

Maya.  Found  the  regiment  in  rear  of  the  reb  line  of  battle, 
where  it  captured  one  hundred  and  one  prisoners  and  two 
commissioned  officers,  to  say  nothing  of  a  picket-line 
which  was  induced  to  accept  our  hospitalities.  Skir 
mished  all  day.  Relieved  b}-  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty- 
sixth  Pennsylvania  at  nightfall,  the  regiment  fell  back 
into  some  strong  breastworks.  During  the  night  two 
false  alarms.  During  this  da}T  Col.  Bates,  while  out  re 
connoitring,  stumbled  on  two  reb  soldiers  who  were  wash 
ing  in  a  brook.  So  stern  and  confident  was  the  colonel's 
manner,  that  he  actually  arrested  them  for  straggling,  and 
brought  his  captives  safely  to  our  skirmish-line. 

May  4.  Hall's  batteiy,  the  Twelfth  and  Thirteenth  Massachu 
setts,  accompanied  b}~  Gen.  Robinson,  made  a  reconnois- 
sance  to  near  Ely's  Ford.  Finding  the  enemy  in  force, 
and  being  under  orders  not  to  bring  on  an  engagement, 
the  part}T  retraced  its  steps  ;  the  Thirteenth  losing  some 
men  by  the  enenrv's  fire. 

May  6.  Recrosscd  the  Rappahannock,  and  camped  at  White- 
Oak  Chapel. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

Chancellorsville  was  over:  the  regiment's  loss  was 
slight,  yet  its  duty  had  been  wearisome  and  trying.  From 
April  28  to  May  8  it  had  marched  over  one  hundred  miles 
with  less  than  forty-eight  hours'  sleep. 

Chancellorsville  is  one  of  the  debatable  battles  of  the 
Rebellion  :  it  ought  to  have  been  a  Union  victory  ;  it  can 
hardly  be  styled  a  Federal  defeat. 

Hooker's  initial  steps  have  ever  received  unlimited 
praise  ;  for  he  not  only  crossed  the  river,  but  obtained  a 
strong  foothold  with  very  trifling  loss  to  himself.  He  did 
what  was  rarely  done  during  the  war,  —  outgeneralled 
Lee.  Then  the  tide  turned,  and  the  Union  army  began  to 
meet  mishaps. 

Gen.  A.  B.  Underwood,  in  his  "History  of  Thirty-third 
Massachusetts,"  has  made  an  exhaustive  analysis  of  the 
battle :  it  is  not  proposed  to  repeat  the  operation  in  this 
history ;  but,  roughly  outlined,  the  facts  seem  to  be 
these :  — 

1.  Hooker's  scheme  to  feint  with  his  left  and  strike 
with  his  right  succeeded  admirably. 

2.  It  compelled  Lee  to  adopt  a  measure  opposed  to  all 
military  law  ;  i.e.,  divide  his  forces  in  front  of  an  enemy. 

3.  The  disaster  on  the  right  on  Saturday  evening  was 
not  the  fault  entirely  of  the  Eleventh  Corps.     Repeated 
warning  had  been  given,  Hooker  had  been  notified,  Jack 
son's  flanking  march  was  plainly  visible  from  the  Union 
lines,  yet  the  Eleventh  Corps  were  caught  with  stacked 
arms  while  cooking  their  suppers. 

4.  The  fault  is  hardly  Hooker's  ;  for  at  9.30  that  morn 
ing  he  personally  inspected  the  right,  and  warned  Howard 
that  it  was  not  strong  enough.     Howard  did  not  even 
have  a  skirmish-line  out  to  protect  his  front. 

5.  Sickles  contrived  to  get  the  centre  of  the  line  some 
two  miles  out  to  the  front  in  a  wild-goose  chase  after 
Jackson's   wagon-train,    thereby    isolating   the    Eleventh 
Corps,  and  depriving  it  of  proper  support.     Not  content 
with  this,  he  actually  borrowed  a  brigade  (Barlow's)  from 
the  Eleventh  Corps  to  assist  in  his  quixotic  enterprise. 

6.  After  Jackson's  attack,  the  general  position  of  the 
Union  army  was  that  of  a  wedge  ;  the  point  being  in  Lee's 


CHANCELLORSVILLE.  95 

1863.  centre,  thus  dividing  his  army,  and  still  giving  the  chances 
of  success  to  Hooker. 

7.  The  troops  which  had  been  operating  on  the  left, 
below  Fredericksburg,   were   ordered  to  march  instanter 
via  the  Plank  Road  to  Chancellors ville,  thus  putting  the 
Sixth  Corps  squarely  in  rear  of  Lee's  right  wing. 

8.  Sedgwick  moved  veiy  cautiously,  was  deceived,  as 
to  the  numbers  in  his  front,  and  —  was  behind  time. 

9.  At  this,  the  critical  period,  Hooker  received  a  severe 
injury ;  and  lack  of  concerted  action  on  the  part  of  the 
Union  generals  gave  Lee  his  opportunity,  which  he  was 
not  slow  to  seize.     Leisurely  crushing  Sedgwick,  he  con 
nected  his  two  wings,  —  heretofore  separated,  —  and  then 
turned  his  whole  army  on  Hooker. 

10.  Yet  Lee  offered  no  serious  resistance  to  Hooker's 
retreat  across  the  river. 

The  question  of  numbers  engaged  is  often  spoken  of. 
Hooker's  army  was  to  Lee's  as  three  is  to  two ;  and 
Hooker's  own  declaration  that  he  commanded  "  the  finest 
arm}'  on  the  planet  "  is  frequently  put  in  evidence  against 
him. 

It  was  a  fine,  if  not  "the  finest,"  army.  Had  it  not 
been  such,  it  would  never  have  survived  the  incompetent 
hands  which  at  times  had  guided  it.  But  it  should  be  re 
membered,  that  the  term  of  service  of  many  of  the  troops 
was  expiring ;  and  man}T  will  recall  the  great  difficulty  ex 
perienced  in  keeping  some  of  the  nine-months'  and  two- 
3Tears'  regiments  up  to  their  agreement. 

However,  Chancellorsville  gave  the  rebs  a  new  soubri 
quet  for  Hooker.  Henceforth  they  knew  him  as  "  Fallen 
Joe." 

May  8.  Camped  in  woods  one  mile  from  river  and  four  miles 
below  Fredericksburg. 

May  9.          Fine  spring  weather. 

May  26.         News  of  capture  of  Vicksburg. 

May  27.  Marching  orders  received  and  —  countermanded.  Then 
came  the  stereotj'ped  warning,  "Bereadj*  to  move  at  a 
moment's  notice." 

May  28.         The  balloon  went  up  from  the  regimental  camp. 

May  30.  Corps  review. 


96  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  "  Toward  the  latter  part  of  May  the  camp  was  astir  at  mid 
night  by  a  report  that  the  enemy  was  crossing  the  river  in  large 
force.  Wagons  were  packed  and  moved  out  to  the  road,  and 
the  troops  got  in  readiness  to  form  in  line  at  a  moment's  notice. 
But  it  turned  out  to  be  a  false  alarm,  thus  accounted  for  by  one 
from  the  south  side  :  '  Night  before  last,  a  party  of  Mississippi- 
ans  undertook  to  draw  a  seine  in  the  river  near  Knox's  Mill. 
The  Yankees  concluded  that  the  Rappahannock  was  being 
crossed  by  the  Confederate  army,  and  at  once  the  heavens  were 
illuminated  with  their  rockets.  The  picket-lines  were  doubled, 
and  the  whole  camp  gave  every  indication  of  fearful  appre 
hension.  Fallen  Joe,  however,  was  permitted  to  pass  the  night 
unmolested.'  J>1 

June  4.  Orders  to  move  received.  "When  every  thing  was  all 
nicely  packed,  the  countermand  was  received. 

June  s.         The  Sixth  Corps  passed  camp  in  the  afternoon. 

June 6.  Marching  orders  came  at  two  A.M.,  but  afternoon  found 
the  regiment  still  in  camp.  During  the  afternoon  a  divis 
ion  of  the  Sixth  Corps  was  seen  crossing  the  river.  At 
four  P.M.  a  heavy  thunder-shower. 

June  7.  Two  regiments  left  the  brigade  on  a  secret  errand. 
Heavy  firing  heard  nearty  all  day.  Cold  night. 

June  8.  Still  heavy  firing  on  right.  In  the  afternoon  every  man 
in  the  regiment  was  sent  on  picket.  During  the  past 
thirty-six  hours  there  have  been  three  thunder-storms. 

June  9.         At  night  there  was  a  grand  serenade  to  headquarters. 

June  10.  Reveille  at  five  A.M.  For  two  hours  the  reb  batteries 
amused  themselves  by  firing  over  the  regimental  camp. 
At  night  the  pickets  brought  in  two  colored  men  and 
three  rebs. 

June  11.        At  four  A.M.  the  following  order  was  received  :  — 

"  All  men  that  are  not  attached  to  regiments,  all  extra  bag 
gage,  and  all  wagons,  are  to  be  taken  to  the  rear.  The  troops 
are  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  move  at  a  moment's 
notice." 

The  nine-months'  regiments  departing  so  reduced  the 
First  Corps  as  to  make  it  the  smallest  in  the  arm}'. 
June  12.        A  deserter  from  the  Nineteenth  Indiana  was  shot  at 
noon.     At  three  P.M.  the  regiment  marched  in  direction 

1  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  210. 


Cn  A  N  CELL  ORS  VILLE.  9  7 

1863.  of  "Warrenton.  Travelled  twenty-five  miles  in  fifteen 
hours,  and  camped  at  Rappahannock  Station. 

June  14.        Marched  at  five  A.M. 

June  is.  Reached  Manassas  at  two  A.M.,  having  tramped  twenty- 
four  miles.  Gen.  Reynolds  is  in  command  of  the  right 
wing,  consisting  of  First,  Third,  and  Eleventh  Corps,  with 
Buford's  cavalry  and  some  batteries.  Early  in  the  morn 
ing  a  deserter  from  some  regiment  was  shot.  The  sad 
duty  fell  to  twelve  men  of  Company  E.  Nine  balls  took 
effect  in  the  poor  fellow's  body.  Marched  at  six  A.M., 
reaching  Centreville  at  two  P.M.,  where  division  line  of 
battle  was  formed.  The  First  Corps  was  rear-guard,  and 
the  rebs  could  be  plainly  seen  on  the  mountains  in  the 
distance.  Since  June  12  the  regiment  has  marched 
seventy  miles. 

June  17.  Reveille  at  one  A.M.  ;  marched  at  four  A.M.  Very  hot, 
100J0.  Made  a  short  halt  at  G  nil  ford's  Station,  then  on 
for  eight  miles,  camping  at  Leesburg  after  a  fourteen- 
miles'  journey. 

"  On  the  march  from  Centreville  to  Guilford's  Station  two 
clerks  belonging  to  the  brigade  commissary  feil  into  the  hands 
of  Mosby."1 

The  head  of  Re}~nolds's  column  entered  Leesburg  as 
Mosby  was  leaving.  Heav}T  firing  heard  to  the  right. 
Guerillas  were  thick  as  blackberries.  During  this  day's 
tramp  a  woman  marched  in  the  ranks,  carrying  the  accou 
trements  of  an  exhausted  soldier. 

June  is.  At  five  A.M.  struck  tents.  After  waiting  and  baking  in 
the  hot  sun  till  one  P.M.,  tents  were  pitched  again.  We 
had  a  citizen  prisoner  with  us  this  day,  to  cheer  us  with 
his  conversation.  Rank  secesh,  probably  a  guerilla. 
During  the  afternoon  Major  Handy  left  camp  for  Gen. 
Hooker's  headquarters.  Soon  afterwards  a  man  from 
some  regiment  brought  in  the  tale  that  the  major  had  been 
captured  by  guerillas,  with  two  officers  of  another  regi 
ment.  « 

June  19.  Struck  tents  at  noon  ;  marched  at  four  P.M.  Travelled 
three  miles,  and  reached  Guilford  Station.  The  signal 
corps  marched  with  the  regiment.  At  Guilford  Station 

1  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  217. 


98  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  Major  Handy  appeared,  being  very  unconscious  that  he 
was  a  captive  in  the  hands  of  the  "  chivalry  "  (?). 
Rained  all  night.  After  turning  in,  were  ordered  to 
march  to  Goose  Creek.  Packed  up  and  waited  an  hour, 
when  the  countermand  came,  finding  every  one  wet  and 
ill-tempered. 

June  20.  At  two  A.M.  the  signal-corps  sent  up  two  rockets  to 
open  communication  with  the  Eleventh  Corps.  No  re 
sponse  came.  In  the  morning,  however,  the  Eleventh 
Corps  arrived.  A  bushwhacker  was  found  prowling  around 
the  camp  and  promptly  arrested. 

June  21.  Still  raining.  News  of  a  cavalry  fight  near  Aldie.  A 
guide,  and  a  member  of  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts, 
were  caught  by  Mosby. 

June  22.  Drew  clothing,  the  first  time  since —7  no  man  can  recall 
when.  During  the  morning  Gen.  Reynolds  with  two  of 
his  staff  narrowlj"  escaped  capture  by  guerillas  under 
Mosby  himself,  while  stopping  at  a  house  very  near  to 
camp. 

June  23.  Four  of  Company  H  were  detailed  to  guard  the  mail- 
wagon  to  Fairfax. 

June 25.  Marched  at  nine  A.M.;  crossed  the  Potomac  on  pon 
toons  at  Edward's  Ferry,  the  First  Corps  being  the  first 
to  enter  Maryland.  Marched  ten  miles  in  a  rain-storm, 
camping  at  Poolesville. 

June  26.  Marched  at  four  A.M.  via  Barnesville,  Greenfield,  and 
Adamstown.  The  regiment  is  two  years  old  to-day. 

June  27.  Marched  at  six  A.M.  ;  crossed  Blue  Ridge,  and  camped 
at  Middleton.  Gen.  Hooker,  at  his  own  request,  was  re 
lieved  from  command. 

During  the  two  years  of  its  service  the  regiment  marched 
1,476  miles. 

Gen.  Hooker,  in  his  testimon}-  before  the  Committee  on 
Conduct  of  the  War,  declared,  that,  had  Halleck  been  in 
the  rebel  interest,  he  could  not  have  done  more  damage 
to  the  Union  cause.  And  the  inner  history  of  this  por 
tion  of  the  war  period  does  show'  a  tremendous  amount 
of  quarrelling  between  Hooker  and  Halleck. 

In  many  respects  Hooker  was  the  best  army  commander 
the  regiment  had  seen  up  to  this  time  :  in  one  very  essen- 


CHANCELLORSVILLE.  99 

1863.  tial  item  he  won  the  hearts  of  the  men,  for  he  fed  them. 
And,  if  the  arm}-  was  in  bad  trim  when  McClellan  took  it 
from  Pope,  it  was  in  worse  plight  when  Hooker  received 
it  from  Burnside. 

Hooker's  handling  of  the  army  while  in  command  of  it 
has  been  matter  of  profound  stud}-.  His  Chancellorsville 
campaign  is  something  remarkable  for  its  brilliant  opening 
and  futile  ending.  But  his  march  from  the  Rappahannock 
to  the  Potomac  is  as  fine  a  piece  of  grand  tactics  as  the 
war  history  shows.  Ignoring  all  Lee's  feints  and  demon 
strations,  he  steadily  swung  his  army  on  the  arc  of  a  circle, 
ever  keeping  between  Lee  and  the  capital.  It  is  matter 
of  record  that  Lee  did  not  know  Hooker  had  crossed  the 
Potomac  until  some  days  after :  it  is  also  of  record  that 
Hooker  could  locate  Lee  at  ever}*  moment  of  his  march. 
Certain!}*,  to  be  able  to  accomplish  this  is  proof  of  good 
generalship.  When  relieved,  Hooker  was  marching  di 
rect  on  Lee's  communications.  And  it  was  that  march 
which  brought  on  the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  Hooker  had 
faults  ;  but  he  had  many  virtues,  not  the  least  of  which 
was,  he  never  said  "  Go,"  but  always  "  Come."  And  an 
officer  whose  characteristic  is  this  can  work  wonders  with 
his  men. 

The  corps  system,  with  its  distinguishing  badge-marks, 
though  suggested  by  Kearney  at  Fair  Oaks,  was  a  legacy 
of  Hooker,  which  endured  while  the  Potomac  army  lasted. 
And  though  the  pack-mule  idea  was  found  to  be  imprac 
ticable  (it  giving  seventy  thousand  rounds  of  ammu 
nition  to  Stonewall  Jackson  at  Chancellorsville) ,  yet  the 
making  the  troops  carry  eight-days'  rations  was  a  legacy 
of  Hooker,  adopted  by  all  after- commanders. 


100 


TV///    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

UNDER    MEADE.  —  GETTYSBURG, 

june  29  A  FTER  a  march  of  twenty-three  miles,  the  regiment 
**•  camped  at  night  a  little  north  of  Emmettsburg,  Md. 

June  so.        Moved  two  miles  farther  north,  and  rested  for  the  day. 

Juiyi.  Struck  tents  at  four  A.M.,  and,  after  a  march  of  a  few 
miles,  reached  Gettysburg,  Penn.,  where  the  regiment 
halted  in  front  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  about  one 
and  a  half  miles  west  of  Gettysburg. 

It  then  moved  by  the  flank  to  the  north,  keeping  behind 
the  ridge,  and  formed  line  along  the  Mummasburg  Road, 
facing  to  the  north-west. 

"  At  this  time  no  enemy  was  visible  in  our  immediate  front, 
except  a  line  of  skirmishers,  whose  position  behind  a  stone  wall 
gave  them  an  opportunity  to  annoy  us  considerably.  They 
werg  handsomely  dislodged  by  Company  K,  Capt.  Hazel,  who, 
deploying  his  company,  moved  forward  at  a  double-quick,  and 
drove  them  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet."  l 

"The  enemy  making  a  demonstration  on  our  left  flank,  the 
brigade  rapidly  changed  front  forward  on  its  left,  occupied 
the  crest  of  the  hill;  and,  each  regiment  opening  fire  as  soon  as 
in  position,  the  whole  line  was  soon  engaged."2 

In  our  front,  coming  through  the  wheatfields,  we  counted 
three  lines  of  battle  ;  and  away  off  in  the  distance  we  could 
plainly  see  heavy  re-enforcements  approaching.  The  war- 
office  maps  locate  the  regiment  between  the  Eighty-eighth 
and  Ninetieth  Pennsylvania.  The  colonel  of  the  Twelfth 
reports  his  regiment  as  between  the  Ninetieth  Pennsyl 
vania  and  Eightj'-third  New  York. 8 

"  A  second  change  of  front  by  the  regiment  enabled  it  to  de 
liver  a  destructive  enfilading  fire  into  the  advancing  lines  of  the 

*  Adjutant-Gen.  Rep.  Mass.,  1863,  p.  603.          2  Ibid.          s  ibid. 


GETTYSBURG. 


1863.     enemy  at  short  range,  while  the  troops  on  its  left  received  them 
July  i.     wjth  a  steady  and  rapid  fire  in  front.     This  soon  brought  the 
enemy  to  show  the  white  flag,"  l-  — 

and  resulted  in  the  capture  of  what  was  left  of  Iverson's 
North-Carolina  brigade. 

"  The  enemy  was  now  observed  bringing  up  heavy  re-enforce 
ments  against  our  front,  and  advancing  a  brigade  against  our 
right,  making  another  change  of  front  necessary.  .  .  .  This 
was  quickly  and  handsomely  done  by  the  two  right  regiments 
(Ninetieth  Pennsylvania  and  Twelfth  Massachusetts),  and  we 
were  thus  enabled  to  hold  our  ground  against  a  vastly  superior 
force  for  more  than  an  hour."  2 

Ammunition  being  "nearly  all  expended,"  Baxter's 
brigade  was  withdrawn,  Paul's  brigade  relieving  it;  but 
the  need  of  troops  on  the  line  was  so  great,  that,  after  a 
short  rest,  Baxter's  brigade 

"  was  once  more  marched  to  the  crest  of  the  hill,  a  little  to  the 
left  of  its  former  position,  and,  being  entirely  out  of  ammunition, 
was  ordered  to  fix  bayonets,  and  hold  the  hill  against  assault. 
It  remained  in  this  position,  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire  of 
artillery  and  infantry  without  the  power  to  return  a  shot,  until, 
the  right  of  the  line  giving  way  and  exposing  its  right  flank,  it 
was  ordered  to  fall  back  to  Cemetery  Hill."  3 

Gen.  Robinson  claims  that  his  division  "  held  the 
ground  after  all  other  troops  had  retired,  and  fell  back 
fighting  with  the  enemy,  not  only  in  fr»»nt,  but  on  both 
flanks."  The  claim  has  never  been  disputed. 

When  the  division  reached  Cemetery  Hill,  Robinson 
found  that  of  2,500  men  taken  into  the  action,  he  could 
muster  but  833. 

Doubleclay  says  the  corps  entered  the  fight  with  8,200 
men,  and  came  out  with  2,450.4 

Our  brigade  carried  1,100  men  into  the  action.  (The 
authority  is  the  brigade  adjutant-general.) 

The  regimental  loss  was,  — 

Killed         .........         .9 

Wounded  .         .         ........      41 

Missing      ..........       61 

m 

1  Adjutant-Gen.  Rep.  Mass.,  1863,  p  604.  2  Ibid. 

3  Ibid.  *  Rep.  Com.  Cond.  War,  p.  309. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1863.        We  began  the  battle  with  about  two  hundred  men. 

Gen.  Robinson,  in  his  official  report,  says,  "  No  soldiers 
ever  fought  better,  or  inflicted  severer  blows  upon  the 
enemy." 

Col.  Coulter  (who  commanded  the  first  brigade  after 
Gen.  Paul  was  wounded)  reports,  "  Not  a  single  case  of 
faltering  came  to  my  notice." 

The  Eleventh  Pennsylvania,  in  their  History,  in  speak 
ing  of  the  retreat  to  Cemetery  Hill,  say,  — 

"But  that  retreat  was  not  all  confusion.  The  same  noble 
corps  that  had  so  successfully  maintained  its  ground  on  the  left, 
when  resistance  was  no  longer  possible,  fell  back  in  solid  pha 
lanx.  And  though  — 

"  '  Cannon  to  right  of  them, 
Cannon  to  left  of  them, 
Volleyed  and  thundered,' 

shoulder  to  shoulder  they  marched,  rank  after  rank  halting  to 
fire  upon  the  advancing  foe,  and  then  closing  up  again  with 
daring  coolness."  1 

July  2.          The  regiment  was  in  various  parts  of  the  line,  acting  as 

support. 
Julys.          During  Lee's  famous  cannonade  the  Twelfth  was  on 

Cemetery  Hill,  and,  with  the  Ninetieth  Pennsylvania,  was 

ordered  to  assist  in  repulsing  Pickett's  historic  charge. 
The  regimental  loss,  during  July  2  and  3,  was  three 

wounded,  making  the  total  casualties  for  the  three  days 

at  Gettysburg,  — 

Killed        .........       '.9 

Wounded  .         .         .         .         ......      44 

Missing      ......         .....      61 

114 

July  e.  The  regiment  remained  on  the  field  till  July  6,  when,  at 
five  A.M.,  it  marched  with  the  First  and  Third  Corps  to 
Emmettsburg,  eight  miles. 

July  7.  At  six  A.M.  marched  via  Mechanicsville,  Katoctin  Fur 
nace,  and  Hamburg  to  Belleville,  twenty-  two  miles. 

*  The  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  232. 


GETTYSBURG.  103 

1863.  Compaq  H  being  absent  guarding  a  wagon-train,  the 
regimental  strength  was  seventy  men. 

July  8.  Compaii3T  H  rejoined  early  in  the  morning ;  and  the 
regiment  marched  by  the  Middleton  Road  to  South  Moun 
tain  Pass,  eleven  miles,  where  it  intrenched. 

July  9.          Marched  at  three  P.M.  ;  went  six  miles  and  camped. 

July  10.  Marched  at  six  A.M.  through  Boonsborough,  five  miles, 
and  intrenched. 

July  11.        First  Maryland  joined  the  corps. 

July  12.  Marched  to  Funkstowri,  five  miles,  skirmishing  slightty 
with  the  enemy's  pickets.  Captured  four  prisoners. 

July  is.  At  daylight  Lee's  batteries  opened  on  Gen.  Robinson's 
headquarters,  doing  no  damage,  and  being  silenced  by  our 
guns.  In  the  afternoon  the  Fifty-first,  Forty-sixth,  Thirty- 
ninth,  and  Eighth  Massachusetts  joined  our  division.  One 
hundred  and  fifty  prisoners  passed  on  their  way  to  Fred 
erick. 

July  u.        Marched  to  Williamsport,  eight  miles.     Rainy. 

July  15.  Marched  through  Keedysville  to  Rhoversville,  twenty- 
two  miles.  Violent  thunder-storm. 

July  16.  Marched  through  Crampton  Pass  to  near  Berlin,  eight 
miles.  Capt.  Hastings  rejoined  the  regiment. 

The  battle  of  Gettysburg  has  probably  provoked  more 
controversial  discussion  than  any  other  event  of  the  war. 
All  manner  of  claims  have  been  made,  and  each  claimant 
insists  on  his  gospel  being  the  true  one.  Such  being  the 
case,  it  is  not  designed  to  enter  into  an}'  elaborate  discus 
sion  of  the  battle,  but  simply  to  glance  at  a  few  of  the 
salient  points  of  the  controversy. 

1.  Longstreet  is  authority  for  the  statement,  that  it  was 
not  until  night  of  June  28  that  Lee  knew  the  Union  army 
had  crossed  the  Potomac.  The  information  then  was,  that 
Hooker  was  marching  north-westerly  on  Lee's  communica 
tions.  No  further  news  seems  to  have  reached  Lee  until 
the  forenoon  of  Jul}*  1,  when  the  battle  opened.  So  Lee 
was  in  a  measure  surprised,  and  was  certainly  caught  in 
the  midst  of  a  movement  of  concentration  ;  for  Early 's 
division  did  not  reach  Gettysburg  till  about  three  P.M., 
when  it  drove  in  the  Eleventh  Corps,  and  compelled  the 
retreat  of  the  First  Corps.  Johnson's  division  reached 


104  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  the  field  at  dark,  Anderson's  division  late  in  the  afternoon, 
and  Longstreet's  Corps  on  the  morning  of  July  2.  So,  out 
of  nine  divisions  composing  the  Confederate  arm}-,  Lee 
fought  the  battle  of  July  1  with  four  (Heth,  Fender,  Rodes, 
Early) ,  the  latter  only  arriving  at  the  close  of  the  fray. 

2.  Meade  was  not  unprepared,  though  his  much-talk  ed- 
of  Pipe-Creek  order  was  misconstrued,  and  has  been  ele 
vated  to  the  position  of  a  great  bugbear.     It  was  simply 
a  warning  to  the  corps  commanders,  indicating  their  action 
in  the  event  of  certain  contingencies  arising.     Meade  had 
no  specific  intention  of  fighting  a  battle  at  Gettysburg,  a 
place  of  which  he  declares  he  "knew  absolutely  nothing  ; " 
but  his  orders  manifestly  show  he  fully  intended  to  fight 
Lee  at  the  verj*  earliest  opportunity. 

3.  Re3*nolds,  who  commanded  the  left  wing,  knew  not 
only  that  he  was  close  to  the  enemy,  but  also  had  a  fair 
guess  at  Lee's  positions.     At  10.30  P.M.  of  June  30,  he 
received  this  message  from  Buford   (who  was  picketing 
the  roads  north  and  west  of  Gettysburg)  :  — 

"  I  am  satisfied  that  A.  P.  Hill's  corps  is  massed  just  back 
of  Cashtown.  .  .  .  The  enemy's  pickets,  infantry  and  artillery, 
are  within  four  miles  of  this  place  [Gettysburg].  .  .  .  E well's 
corps  is  crossing  the  mountain  from  Carlisle.  .  .  .  Longstreet 
is  behind  Hill." 

Which  actually  was  the  position  of  Lee's  arm}*  at  that 
time. 

To  clinch  this  still  more,  Buford  was  that  night  at 
Reynolds's  headquarters,  and  came  back  to  Gettysburg 
with  one  of  Reynolds's  staff,  who  returned  to  Reynolds 
with  "  the  latest  news  from  the  front  "  earh*  in  the  morn 
ing  of  July  1.  Gen.  James  A.  Hall  avers  that  he  saw 
Buford  and  Reynolds  conversing  at  Marsh  Run  "quite 
early"  in  the  morning  of  July  1,  "before  the  batteries 
hitched  up  for  marching." 

4.  Heth's  statement  is,  that  his  division  was  camped  at 
night  of  June  30  "  near  Cashtown,  about  six  miles  west 
of  Gettysburg."     A.  P.  Hill's    official  report  says  Heth 
marched  "  at  five  o'clock"  in  the  morning  of  July  1.     At 
what  time  did  the  battle  begin  that  morning? 


GETTYSBURG.  105 

1863.  Wadsworth's  division  of  the  First  Corps  began  the  fray 
by  meeting  Heth  at  Wiiloughby  Ran.  Doubleda}*,  who 
commanded  the  corps,  says,  that  "  at  about  half-past 
seven  in  the  morning"  Wadsworth  "was  under  way" 
(Wadsworth  had  about  four  miles  to  march).  Mr.  E.  B. 
Garison,  one  of  Buford's  scouts,  quotes  from  his  note-book 
that  "  the  first  infantry  was  on  the  ground  at  9.15  A.M." 

With  the  information  Reynolds  had,  is  it  possible  that 
he  allowed  Wadsworth  to  linger  by  the  wayside  ?  Robin 
son's  division  was  camped  from  five  to  six  miles  from 
Gettysburg.  The  Twelfth  Massachusetts  struck  tents  at 
four  A.M.,  but  have  no  record  of  the  hour  of  marching. 
The  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  officially  report  that  they 
"  marched  at  six  A.M."  The  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  say, 

"Robinson's  division  was  three  miles  to  the  rear  when  the  first 
artillery  report  broke  the  stillness  of  the  morning  air."  * 

Did  not  the  infantrjT  battle  on  July  1  commence  as  earty 
as  nine  A.M.  ? 

5.    How  many  troops  were  engaged? 

On  the  Union  side,  until  after  one  P.M.,  there  was  only 
Buford's  cavalry  (seven  regiments),  2,200  ;  and  the  First 
Corps,  stated  by  Doubleday  to  number  8,200  men. 

After  one  P.M.  came  the  Eleventh'  Corps  (7,400)  ;  total, 
17,800.  No  other  troops  fought  on  the  Union  side  on 
July  1. 

The  Confederates  began  the  battle  with  Heth's  division, 
admitted  by  Heth  to  have  been  "  7,000  muskets."  Then 
came  in  Fender,  who,  with  more  regiments,  must  have 
equalled  Heth's  strength.  Enter  Rodes,  whose  official 
report  says  8,000  men;  last  comes  Pearly,  who  says  he 
brought  5,000  more.  Total,  27,000.  Fitz-Hugh  Lee 
thinks  "about  22,000." 

Did  the  Eleventh  Corps  fight  on  July  1  ? 

One  brigade  and  a  battery  were  left  on  Cemeterj-  Hill, 
so  two  divisions  and  part  of  the  third  are  all  of  the 
Eleventh  Corps  to  be  considered. 

Schimmelpfenning's  division  (ten  regiments)  met  Dole's 
Georgia  brigade  (four  regiments).  Dole's  brigade  be- 

1  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  226. 


106  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  longed  to  Rodes's  division,  which  was  not  actively  en 
gaged  after  the  first  day.  Dole's  loss  for  the  three  days 
was  241,  or  17  per  cent.  Barlow's  division  (eight  regi 
ments)  faced  Gordon's  brigade  (six  regiments)  of  Early 's 
division.  Early  admits  that  Gordon  lost  378,  or  31^  per 
cent.  Major  Daniel,  of  Pearly 's  staff,  declares,  that  "  where 
Barlow  was  aligned  la}'  a  line  of  wounded  and  dead  men 
who  had  fallen  as  they  stood,  and  in  their  midst  la}'  Barlow 
himself  sorely  stricken." 

The  only  remaining  Eleventh-Corps  troops  who  were 
engaged  were  three  regiments  of  Costar's  brigade.  They 
met  the  brigades  of  Hoke  (three  regiments)  and  Hays 
(five  regiments).  Early  says  the  joint  loss  of  Hoke  and 
Ha}'S  was  208,  —  a  little  more  than  7-J  per  cent. 

The  provost  guard  of  the  Twelfth  Corps  claim  to  have 
collected  1,500  fugitives  from  the  Eleventh  Corps  miles 
in  rear  of  the  field. 

7.  Something  delayed  those  Confederate  divisions,  and 
made  it  after  three  P.M.  when  the  town  of  Gettysburg  fell 
into  Lee's  hands.  We  have  seen  that  the  rebel  loss  in 
front  of  the  Eleventh  Corps  was  827. 

Heth  admits  that  his  division  "  lost  2,700  men  in  killed 
and  wounded."  Fender  and  Rod es  fared  as  badly.  Parts 
of  three  brigades  and  several  battle-flags  were  captured  by 
the  Union  troops  in  that  vicinity,  none  of  whom  wore  the 
crescent  badge  of  the  Eleventh  Corps.  For  what  services 
rendered  did  Howard  receive  the  thanks  of  Congress  ? 

If  the  ground  was  chosen  at  all,  it  was  chosen  by  Buford 
and  Rej'nolds,  and  the  choice  confirmed  by  Hancock,  who 
came  up  at  the  close  of  the  battle.  The  fight  was  made 
by  the  First  Corps  and  Buford 's  cavalry :  the  retreat  was 
caused  by  the  inability  of  Howard's  twenty-six  regiments 
to  keep  eighteen  Confederate  regiments  off  of  the  right 
flank  of  the  First  Corps. 

The  John  Burns  story  is  familiar,  but  the  Twelfth  had  a 
John  Burns  all  to  itself:  for  a  boy  about  sixteen  years  of 
age  followed  the  regiment  from  Emmettsburg,  and  went  into 
the  battle  with  Company  A  ;  wounded  in  two  places,  he  was 
taken  to  hospital,  and  never  more  heard  from.  His  very 
name  is  unknown,  for  he  was  never  mustered  into  service. 


MINE  RUN.  107 


CHAPTER   IX. 

THE   FALL   OF   1863.  —  MINE   RUN, 


1863.     "TvURING  the  afternoon  pontoons  were  laid  across  the 

July  17.      \) 


July  is.  Marched  at  four  A.M.  At  six  A.M.  the  regiment  was 
again  in  Virginia.  Camped  at  Waterford  after  a  twelve- 
miles'  march. 

July  19.  Marched  at  six  A.M.  Camped  at  Hamilton.  Distance 
marched,  nine  miles.  The  Twelfth  on  provost  duty,  Col. 
Bates  being  provost-marshal. 

July  20.  Marched  at  three  A.M.  ;  forded  Goose  Creek,  the  water 
being  from  three  to  four  feet  deep.  At  nine  P.M.  camped 
at  Middleburg,  after  a  sixteen-miies'  march.  Guerillas 
were  abundant,  and  succeeded  in  capturing  some  of  Gen. 
Newton's  staff. 

Col.  Bates  left  the  regiment  at  nine  A.M.  for  recruiting 
service  in  Massachusetts,  and  the  command  of  the  regi 
ment  devolved  upon  Capt.  Charles  W.  Hastings  of  Com 
pany  H. 

July  22.  Marched  at  noon,  gathering  blackberries  by  the  way. 
At  nine  P.M.  camped  at  White  Plains.  Distance  marched, 
eight  miles. 

July  23.  Started  at  four  A.M.  ;  marched  thirteen  miles  with  but 
little  halting.  When  near  Warrenton,  a  report  of  reb  cav 
alry  in  the  town  was  investigated  by  an  infantry  company, 
and  found  .to  be  a  correct  rumor  ;  but,  as  the  main  column 
approached,  the  rebel  horsemen  departed,  abandoning  a 
wagon-train.  Nine  hundred  cattle  and  thirty-five  prison 
ers  were  captured. 

July  25.  Marched  at  five  A.M.  Halted  at  Warrenton  Junction, 
and  then  pushed  on  to  Bealton.  Distance  marched,  eigh 
teen  miles. 


108  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.        The  Eighth  Massachusetts  left,  their  term  of  service 

July26'    having  expired. 

July  28.  Three  of  the  Gettysburg  wounded  rejoined  the  regi 
ment.  Violent  rain-storms  kept  the  regiment  busy  repair 
ing  intrenchments. 

Aug.  2.  Marched  at  daybreak.  After  travelling  seven  miles, 
found  Buford's  cavalry  engaged  at  Rappahannock  Station. 
Buford  had  pressed  Stuart  to  Culpeper  Court  House, 
nearly  capturing  Stuart  and  staff,  who  left  their  dinner 
untasted.  But  at  Auburn,  Buford  encountered  infantry, 
and  was  driven  till  he  met  the  First  Corps,  who  promptly 
re-enforced  him.  Buford's  loss  was  one  hundred  and 
forty  killed  and  wounded. 

Aug.  3.         Three  men  in  the  brigade  killed  by  lightning. 

Aug.  9.  Baxter's  brigade  was  left  behind  to  guard  the  earth 
works,  the  rest  of  the  division  crossing  the  Rappahannock. 

Aug.  13.  Another  violent  storm.  Several  men  killed  by  light 
ning. 

Aug.  15.  Col.  Bates  arrived  with  176  conscripts,  which  were  dis 
tributed  as  follows  :  Company  A,  17;  B,  18;  C,  27;  D, 
20  ;  F,  20  ;  G,  17  ;  H,  10  ;  I,  21  ;  K,  22  ;  unassigned,  4. 
Before  this  addition  the  regimental  strength  was  12  offi 
cers,  258  men,  many  of  whom  were  sick  in  hospital. 

Sept.  9.         The  corps  drew  clothing,  which  was  sadly  needed. 

Sept.  12.  The  Second  and  Twelfth  Corps  and  first  cavalry  divis 
ion  marched  to  our  vicinity.  Major  Cook  received  his 
commission  and  assumed  command. 

Sept.  13.  The  cavalry  divisions  of  Buford,  Gregg,  and  Kilpatrick, 
with  the  Second  Corps  (under  Warren),  made  a  reconnois- 
sance,  discovering  that  Lee  was  travelling  north. 

sept.  16.  Marched  at  six  A.M.  via  Stevensburg  to  Culpeper  Court 
House.  Col.  Bates,  with  Burnell  and  Whelan,  left  for 
more  recruits.  (The  first  batch  was  nearly  all  gone,  six 
teen  deserting  in  one  day.) 

Sept.  24.  The  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps  left  for  Chattanooga. 
Marched  at  seven  A.M.  ;  crossed  the  Rapidan  at  Raccoon 
Ford,  where  the  regiment  remained  for  some  time. 
Sept.  26.  A  heavy  detachment  out  working  on  intrenchments.  A 
deserter  from  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts,  and  one  from 
the  Fourth  Maine,  were  shot. 


MINE   RUN.  109 

1863.        The  corps  moved  two  miles  nearer  the  river. 

The  brigade  marched  to  Mitchell's  Station. 
so.        Marched  at  three  P.M.     After  travelling  two  and  a  half 


miles,  camped  in  sight  of  a  reb  signal-station. 

Oct.  2.  One  of  the  Ninetieth  Pennsylvania  shot  for  sleeping  on 
his  post.  It  again  fell  to  the  lot  of  twelve  men  from 
Company  E  of  the  Twelfth  to  carry  out  the  sentence  of 
the  court-martial.  The  surgeons,  upon  examining  the  body 
of  the  poor  fellow,  found  that  two  balls  had  entered  his 
heart,  one  his  right  lung,  and  one  his  shoulder. 

Oct.  3.  One  of  the  regimental  buglers  was  caught  by  guerillas 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  camp  :  he  contrived  to 
escape. 

Oct.  4.  A  battery  opened  on  our  teamsters  while  watering 

their  horses.  In  the  afternoon  the  Sixth  Corps  halted 
near  by. 

Oct.  e.  Two  of  the  Gettysburg  prisoners  —  having  managed  to 
elude  their  captors  —  rejoined  the  regiment.  In  the  after 
noon  thirty  conscripts  came. 

Oct.  10.  Reveille  at  2.30  A.M.  ;  marched  at  three  A.M.  Crossed 
Morton's  Ford  at  seven  A.M.  After  a  journey  of  six 
miles  halted  for  breakfast,  between  Culpeper  Court  House 
and  Stevensburg.  As  the  rear  of  the  First  Corps  left 
Stevensburg  the  reb  advance  entered.  The  corps  forded 
Mountain  Run  and  the  Rappahannock,  and  camped  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  river  at  three  P.M.  ;  distance  marched, 
fifteen  miles.  The  pontoons  were  destro}'ed  after  the 
First  Corps  crossed. 

Oct.  12.  The  Second,  Fifth,  and  Sixth  Corps,  with  Buford's  cav- 
ahy,  returned  to  near  Brandy  Station.  Buford  pushed  on 
to  Culpeper  Court  House. 

Oct.  is.  Marched  at  two  A.M.,  hotly  pursued  by  Stuart,  who 
captured  many  stragglers.  At  three  P.M.  the  First  Corps 
reached  Bristow  Station. 

Oct.  14.  Marched  at  2.30  A.M.,  forded  Broad  Run,  passed  over 
the  Bull-Run  stone  bridge,  and  lay  on  arms  all  night. 
Distance  marched,  thirteen  miles. 

Oct.  15.  At  six  A.M.  changed  position  to  the  rear  about  one  and 
a  half  miles  ;  then  ordered  to  the  stone  bridge. 

Oct.  19.         Marched  at  nine  A.M.     At  seven  P.M.  camped  at  Hay- 


HO  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  market.  The  reb  pickets  were  so  close  that  two  men 
were  wounded  in  our  brigade-camp. 

Oct.  23.  At  five  P.M.  marched  four  miles  to  the  other  side  of 
Thoroughfare  Gap. 

Oct.  26.  Marched  at  7.30  A.M.  in  a  rain-storm  to  Bristow  Station, 
twelve  miles.  Halted  here  till  railroad  was  rebuilt. 

NOV.  4.  Forty-eight  conscripts  arrived  for  regiment.  Among 
the  conscripts  who  arrived  at  this  time,  was  one  J.  Wes 
ley  Pratt,  who,  after  his  arrival,  refused  to  bear  arms,  and 
created  quite  a  disturbance  by  so  doing. 

The  following  is  a  condensed  account  of  his  stor}7  as 
told  by  himself,  headed,  "  Case  of  a  Non-Resident  Con 
script,"  and  published  in  "The  Boston  Liberator"  of 
April  1,  1864:- 

QUINCY,  MASS.,  March  16,  1864. 

FRIEND  GARRISON. 

The  subjoined  letter,  with  the  personal  narrative  of  my  ex 
perience  as  a  conscript  in  the  hands  of  the  American  Govern 
ment,  is  sent  to  you  with  the  request  that  it  be  published,  if 
agreeable.  The  language  of  the  officers  is  simply  the  substance 
without  the  attempt  to  quote  the  exact  words,  although,  in 
many  instances,  it  is  correct  to  the  letter. 

HEADQUARTERS  TWELFTH  MASS.  INFANTRY, 

CAMP  NEAR  KELLY'S  FORD, 

Dec.  14,  1863. 

To  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  SECRETARY  or  WAR. 

I  have  the  honor,  in  compliance  with  the  accompanying  in 
dorsements  in  communication  in  relation  to  John  Wesley  Pratt, 
Company  D,  Twelfth  Massachusetts,  to  report  as  follows:  — 

The  day  following  his  arrival  he  positively  refused  to  do  any 
duty.  I  reported  his  case  to  my  brigade  commander;  and  he 
issued  orders  to  punish  him,  and  make  him  do  his  duty.  He 
contin  ued  to  refuse ;  and  I  caused  him  to  be  tied  to  a  wagon 
near  my  headquarters,  telling  him,  that,  when  he1  consented  to 
do  his  duty,  I  would  release  him ;  at  the  same  time  calling  the 
attention  of  the  regimental  surgeon  to  the  case,  and  requesting 
him  to  examine  the  man,  and  if  punishment  was  too  severe,  or 
in  any  way  endangering  his  health,  I  would  release  him. 

At  my  request  he  consented  to  do  his  duty  in  the  Pioneer 
Corps,  and  was  released.  Soon  after  the  regiment  moved,  he 
abandoned  his  gun,  equipments,  and  pioneer  tools,  and  straggled. 


MINE  RUN. 

1863.  When  he  joined  his  regiment,  he  was  arrested,  and  placed  under 
guard.  I  received  communication  from  said  Pratt,  which  I  for 
warded  at  once  to  the  regular  military  channels.  Gen.  Newton, 
commanding  corps  (First),  returned  the  communication  with  in 
dorsements,  with  which  I  have  complied.  The  result  of  Pratt's 
behavior  in  the  regiment  caused  another  man  in  the  same  com 
pany  to  refuse  to  do  duty.  Charges  have  been  preferred  against 
Pratt  for  uttering  treasonable  language  among  the  men  of  his 
company,  such  as,  "  The  South  ought  to  be  let  alone,"  or  words 
to  that  effect.  The  statement  that  he  was  tied  up  in  the  woods 
among  mules  is  false;  neither  was  he  tied  so  that  his  feet  barely 
touched  the  ground.  He  had  the  same  shelter  that  the  govern 
ment  furnishes  other  conscripts. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  COOK,  Major  Comm'd'g  Reg't. 

July  17,  1863,  I  was  drafted  in  Taunton,  and  was  notified 
to  appear  at  that  place  for  examination.  Was  examined  by 
Dr.  Hubbard,  who  made  the  following  remarkable  statement:  — 

"  You  don't  look  like  a  very  well  man;  but  the  fact  is  (turn 
ing  to  his  assistant),  we  must  take  some  of  these  men,  or  we 
sha'n't  get  any  soldiers:"  and  he  pronounced  me  "sound." 
The  provost-marshal  then  allowed  us  to  return  home,  saying, 
" 1  won't  be  hard  with  you,  but  will  allow  you  time  to  make  up 
your  minds  what  to  do."  Paying  no  further  attention  to  the 
matter,  I  received  a  letter  from  Capt.  Hall,  ordering  me  to 
report  immediately,  as  I  had  not  been  discharged  from  the 
draft.  I  immediately  addressed  a  letter  to  Capt.  Hall,  provost- 
marshal,  which  was  as  follows:  — 

SIR, — Up  to  the  breaking  out  of  the  present  rebellion,  I 
was  earnestly  for  peace.  The  excitement  consequent  on  the 
firing  on  Sumter  carried  me  away  in  its  almost  irresistible 
might,  until  I  found  myself  advocating  the  carrying  on  of  a 
war  more  cruel  and  relentless  than  any  yet  recorded  in  history. 

Two  years  have  passed  away;  and  no  definite  result  has  been 
reached,  save  one  :  the  passage  of  a  law  which,  in  its  cruel 
and  despotic  enactments,  commends  itself  to  the  Autocrat  of 
Russia  and  the  Sultan  of  Turkey;  unblushingly  declaring  in 
the  last  half  of  the  nineteenth  century,  and  in  the  face  of  all 
the  sublime  doctrines  of  the  age  (doctrines  enunciated  by  Him 
who  died  on  Calvary's  cross),  that  Peace  and  Christianity  are 
ideal  names.  **  O  Shame!  where  is  thy  blush?  "  I  repudiate,  I 


112 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1863.  denounce  such  infidelity,  such  practical  atheism.  I  will  obey 
none  of  its  requirements  :  in  the  midst  of  all  this  I  am  for 
Peace.  I  loathe,  I  detest,  war.  I  shall  neither  evade  nor  ob 
struct  the  government  except  in  the  performance  of  my  duty 
to  Humanity ;  but  I  cannot  fight. 

J.  WESLEY  PRATT, 

Conscript  Second  District. 

On  Friday,  Oct.  9,  I  was  waited  on  by  two  officers,  White 
of  Weymouth,  and  French  of  Quincy.  White,  as  I  have  since 
learned,  being  armed  with  pistols  and  handcuffs,  prepared  to 
take  me  "  dead  or  alive,"  to  Taunton.  On  learning  their  busi 
ness,  I  asked  for  one  day,  in  order  to  finish  some  work  which 
was  begun,  but  was  told  by  White  that  he  could  not  comply,  as 
his  business  would  not  permit  it;  but  he  advised  me  to  go  to 
Taunton  with  him,  and  he  had  no  doubt  Hall  would  grant  me  a 
furlough  for  a  few  days. 

QUESTION  BY  WHITE.  What  kind  of  a  letter  did  you  write 
to  Hall  ? 

ANSWER.  I  wrote  in  substance ,  that  war  is  opposed  to 
the  spirit  of  Christianity,  and  I  will  obey  none  of  the  require 
ments  of  the  conscription  acts.  He  took  from  his  pocket  the 
letter  from  Hall,  and  read,  **  You  can  ascertain  from  Wyman 
Abercrombie  about  this  man  Pratt.  I  conclude  by  his  letter  to 
me  that  he  is  either  a  fanatic,  a  fool,  or  a  dangerous  man." 

REPLY.  I  expect  to  be  called  a  fanatic;  I  may  be  a  fool; 
but  my  friends  and  acquaintances  can  decide  whether  I  am  a 
dangerous  man. 

WHITE.     Well,  what  do  you  intend  to  do? 

REPLY.     I  shall  go  to  Taunton  as  a  prisoner. 

WHITE.  Will  you  meet  me  at  the  depot  in  time  for  the 
cars?  To  which  I  answered,  "  Yes;  "  and  after  supplying  my 
self  with  a  letter  from  Abercrombie,  recommending  me  for  a 
furlough,  I  did  go,  and  went  with  White  to  Taunton. 

On  arriving  in  Taunton,  I  was  taken  at  once  to  the  office 
of  the  "  Capt.,"  —  that  worthy  giving  me  a  somewhat  reserved 
greeting,  —  and  without  any  words  handed  my  letter  to  him  to 
White,  for  his  perusal  and  criticism.  He  pronounced  it  "  a  very 
strange  letter,"  which  very  sage  conclusion  was  responded  to 
by  Hall  as  follows:  "  Now,  Pratt,  what  induced  you  to  write  so 
foolish  a  letter  ?  Explain  yourself,  sir!" 

REPLY.  It  was  written  from  convictions  of  duty,  —  duty  to 
myself,  to  freedom,  and  to  humanity. 

HALL.     But  you  say  you  do  not  intend  to  evade  or  obstruct 


MINE  RUN.  113 

1863.  the  government.  Why,  this  government,  I  calculate,  is  pretty 
strong :  do  you  expect  you  can  evade  or  obstruct  it  ? 

REPLY.  Every  man's  power  to  do  either  is  just  in  pro 
portion  to  his  natural  or  acquired  abilities. 

HALL.  You  say  you  will  obey  none  of  the  requirements  of 
the  conscription  act.  Why,  then,  are  you  here? 

REPLY.  I  am  here  as  a  prisoner;  and  a  prisoner,  not  in 
consequence  of  violating  "Law,"  but  in  obedience  to  a  power 
which  I  cannot  resist. 

HALL.     Do  you  intend  to  pay  three  hundred  dollars? 

No,  sir. 

What  then  ? 

Does  not  my  letter  explain?  I  am  conscientiously  opposed  to 
bearing  arms:  in  other  words,  I  am  a  non-resistant. 

He  (Hall)  then  went  into  the  causes  of  the  present  strife; 
describing  in  a  graphic  manner  how,  "for  fifty  years,  it  had 
been  the  determined  purpose  of  the  South  to  destroy  the  noblest 
government  which  the  world  ever  saw;  culminating  in  the  attack 
on  Fort  Sumter  " 

REPLY.  Listen  for  a  moment  to  the  great  Teacher:  "All 
things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye 
even  so  to  them." 

HALL.  Why,  sir,  Jesus  Christ  teaches  obedience.  He  says, 
"  Servants,  obey  your  masters." 

REPLY.  Are  you  not  mistaken?  I  supposed  it  to  be  St. 
Paul  who  uttered  that.  . 

HALL.  Well,  it  matters  not,  as  Paul  was  a  believer  in  Jesus 
Christ. 

REPLY.  Then,  we  are  to  consider  the  language  of  a  de 
vout  "  believer  "  to  be  as  authoritative  as  that  of  Christ? 

HALL.  I  wish  you  to  understand,  that,  when  you  attack  a 
law  which  I  am  sworn  to  protect,  I  shall  protect  it  and  enforce 
it  if  it  is  in  my  power. 

REPLY.  Now,  captain,  you  are  not  the  government.  Your 
language  and  manner  would  seem  to  convey  the  impression  to 
your  hearers  that  you  are,  in  fact,  the  government  itself,  in 
stead  of  a  mere  servant  of  the  government,  charged  with  certain 
duties. 

HALL.  Yes:  and  I  intend  to  do  them!  and  to-morrow  you 
will  have  to  put  on  a  uniform,  depend  upon  it,  if  it  takes  six 
men  to  put  it  on 

I  then  asked  for  a  furlough;  and,  after  making  some  in 
quiry  concerning  my  object  in  going  home,  he  replied,  "Yes,  I 
will  give  you  a  furlough;  but  you  must  first  take  the  oath." 


114 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1863.          REPLY.     I  shall  take  no  oath,  sir. 

HALL.     Then  you  can  affirm:  it  is  all  the  same. 

REPLY.     I  know  it  is,  and  for  that  reason  I  shall  do  neither. 

HALL.  Now,  Mr.  Pratt,  you  will  gain  nothing  by  such  a 
course;  besides,  your  friends  will  think  less  of  you  than  they 
would  if  you  do  your  duty  like  a  man. 

REPLY.  The  warrior  may  gain  the  applause  of  the  mul 
titude,  as  he  rides  over  human  hearts.  But  who  wins  the  ap 
probation  of  his  own  soul?  The  man  who  dares  to  do  right. 

The  morrow  came;  and  at  about  ten  o'clock  I  was  taken  to 
the  clothing-room,  to  be  arrayed  in  the  costume  of  our  vener 
able  "  Uncle."  The  officer  in  charge  ordered  me  to  put  on  the 
clothes  :  I  refused.  "Come,  now,"  said  he,  "  I'll  have  no  hum- 
buggin'." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  I,  "put  them  on  yourself:  I  shall  offer 
no  resistance." 

He  then  proceeded  to  strip  me,  clothed  me  in  "  army  blue," 
put  a  knapsack  on  my  back,  and  marched  me  back  to  the  office, 
where  I  refused  to  sign  a  receipt  for  clothing.  We  then  started 
for  Long  Island. 

While  in  the  cars,  my  friend,  Mr.  Thayer,  came  to  me,  and 
said,  "  I  wish  to  give  you  a  word  of  advice  " 

THAYER.  If  you  attempt  to  carry  out  the  course  you  have 
begun,  you  will  be  court-martialled  and  shot. 

REPLY.     Let  'em  shoot. 

THAYER.     Have  you  taken  the  oath  ? 

REPLY      No. 

On  arriving  at  the  island,  I  took  up  my  quarters  with  the 
Thirteenth  Detachment  Massachusetts  Conscripts. 

On  or  about  the  27th  of  October,  I  went  on  board  the  steamer 
"  Forest  City,"  bound  for  Alexandria,  on  our  way  to  become  a 
part  of  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts.  Nothing  occurred  worth 
mentioning  here  on  our  way  to  Alexandria,  except  that  Sergeant 
Snow  of  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts  ordered  me  on  guard-duty. 
I  refused,  but  no  notice  was  taken  of  it.  We  arrived  on  Sun 
day  following  the  Tuesday  on  which  we  went  on  board. 

On  Monday,  Nov.  2,  we  were  taken  to  the  arsenal  to  get  our 
guns;  and  the  lieutenant  who  was  charged  with  the  duty  of 
distribution  offered  me  one,  which  I  refused  to  accept,  saying, 
"  I  have  conscientious  scruples  against  bearing  arms." 

LIEUTENANT.  Well,  the  government  does  not  allow  us  to 
exercise  our  own  discretion  in  the  matter;  so  I  shall  have  to 
strap  it  on  your  back.  Lengthening  out  the  strap,  he  placed 
the  gun  on  my  back.  He  then  offered  me  a  "  roundabout."  On 


MINE  RUN.  H5 

1863.  my  refusing  to  take  it,  he  merely  remarked,  "  I  think  you  are 
very  foolish, "  and  proceeded  to  strap  it  over  the  gun:  in  that 
way  I  went  to  the  Soldiers'  Rest.  The  next  day  we  were 
ordered  to  put  on  our  roundabouts,  and  "  fall  in." 

The  last  order  I  complied  with,  but  I  did  not  put  on  my 
roundabout.  A  corporal  was  detailed  to  distribute  the  guns; 
but  I  did  not  take  one,  and,  of  course,  there  was  one  left.  The 
captain  (Brady)  came  in  soon  after,  and,  seeing  the  gun,  in 
quired  whose  it  was.  Nobody  seeming  to  claim  it,  lie  tried  to 
find  the  owner  by  looking  up  and  down  the  line:  I,  being  in  the 
rear  rank,  he  did  not  see  me  until  we  marched  out  of  the  hall. 
On  seeing  me  he  exclaimed,  "  Here  is  the  man  that  ain't  got  no 
gun.  Here,  take  this  gun!  " 

REPLY.     I  can't  do  it 

BRADY.     What  is  the  reason  you  can't  take  this  gun? 

REPLY.  Because  I  am  conscientiously  opposed  to  bearing 
arms. 

BRADY.  What  do  you  suppose  I  care  for  your  conscientious 
scruples?  Here!  take  this  gun! 

REPLY.     I  will  not. 

Hereupon  he  ordered  a  "  halt,"  and  proceeded  to  strap 
the  gun  on  my  back. 

The  Twelfth  Massachusetts  was  then  at  Bristow  Station, 
distant  some  thirty-five  miles  from  Alexandria.  We  arrived  in 
the  afternoon;  and  I  was  attached  to  Company  D,  Twelfth 
Massachusetts,  Lieut.  Bachelder  commanding.  After  pitching 
my  tent,  I  called  on  the  lieutenant  and  explained  my  position,  — 
that  I  was  "opposed  to  war  as  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  teach 
ings  of  Christ,  and  in  violation  of  the  best  interests  of  man 
kind." 

LIEUTENANT.  Well,  you  had  better  do  your  duty  :  for 
you  will  only  make  trouble  for  yourself;  you  will  get  in  the 
guard-house,  which  is  a  dirty  place;  and,  if  you  do  not  change 
your  mode  of  action,  you  will  be  court-martialled  and  shot. 

I  replied,  **  Well,  let  them  shoot." 

LIEUTENANT.  I  can't  argue  the  claims  of  Christianity  in 
such  a  contest  as  this. 

The  next  morning,  at  nine  o'clock,  I  was  waited  on  by  the 
sergeant  of  the  company,  and  ordered  to  *'  turn  out  "  for  drill. 
I  answered,  "  No  :  I  cannot  drill." 

SERGEANT.     Why  not  ? 

REPLY.     I  am  conscientiously  opposed  to  bearing  arms. 

SERGEANT.  But  you  must  go  on  drill,  or  go  to  the  guard 
house. 


116  THE  WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.         REPLY.     Then,  I  will  go  to  the  guard-house. 

He  reported  me  to  Major  Benjamin  F.  Cook  of  Gloucester, 
Mass.,  commanding  the  regiment.  I  was  ordered  to  appear 
forthwith  at  his  headquarters. 

MAJOR.     Do  you  refuse  to  drill  this  morning? 

REPLY.     I  do. 

MAJOR.     Why  do  you  refuse  to  do  your  duty,  and  drill? 

REPLY.     Because  my  conscience  will  not  permit  it. 

MAJOR  (to  his  orderly).  Take  him  out,  and  tie  him  among 
the  mules. 

I  was  taken  out,  and  tied  to  the  hind  wheels  of  the  regimental 
wagons;  the  major  himself  performing  the  operation,  saying,  at 
the  same  time,  "I'll  see  if  you  will  refuse  to  do  your  duty."  I 
remained  in  this  position  from  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  till 
five  in  the  afternoon,  without  my  dinner.  I  was  then  released. 
In  regard  to  being  "  tied  among  the  mules,"  I  will  state  that  the 
mules  were  tied  to  the  front  of  the  wagon,  while  I  was  tied  to 
the  rear  of  the  same. 

While  I  was  so  tied,  the  major  came  to  see  me,  and  said, 
**  Well,  Pratt,  are  you  ready  to  do  your  duty  now?  " — "  Not 
military  duty,  sir."  —  "  Well,  what  are  you  here  for?  "  —  "  Be 
cause  I  could  not  avoid  it."  —  "  Why  didn't  you  pay  three  hun 
dred  dollars?  "  —  "  One  reason  is,  I  hadn't  it  to  pay."  —  "Well, 
I  want  you  to  understand,  that,  while  you  are  here,  you  have  got 
to  do  military  duty,  or  I  will  have  you  court-martialled." 

The  next  order  was  to  go  on  dress-parade  at  sunset.  I  re 
fused;  but  no  notice  was  taken  of  it  until  the  usual  drill-time 
the  next  morning,  when,  refusing  again  to  do  duty,  I  was  again 
summoned  before  the  major. 

MAJOR.     Do  you  still  refuse  to  do  duty? 

ANSWER.     I  do. 

MAJOR.  "  Take  him  to  his  tent,  put  a  knapsack  on  him, 
and  drill  him  in  the  facings,"  addressing  a  corporal,  who  had 
previously  been  detailed  for  that  purpose. 

After  performing  that  feat  for  some  minutes,  and  being 
advised  by  the  corporal  to  "  submit  to  a  power  that  I  could  not 
resist,"  I  said,  "It  is  useless  to  attempt  to  dissuade  me  from 
my  purpose,  for  I  will  die  rather  than  fight. ' '  The  major  ordered 
me  to  take  my  gun,  and  drill  in  the  manual  of  arms.  Refusing, 
he  said,  "  I'll  fix  you  so  that  you'll  not  refuse  again  to  drill!  " 

I  was  again  taken  to  the  wagon  and  tied  to  the  same  wheel, 
with  my  hands  behind  me,  and  drawn  up  between  my  shoulders 
so  that  my  feet  could  just  touch  the  ground.  In  about  half  an 
hour  after  I  was  tied  up,  he  (Cook)  sent  his  orderly  to  inquire  if 


MINE  RUN.  H7 

1863.  I  was  ready  to  do  my  duty.  I  answered,  "  I  am  not. ' '  Soon  the 
Nov.  4.  major  came  out,  and  asked  me  if  there  was  no  kind  of  duty  that 
I  was  ready  to  do.  I  replied  that  I  had  never  refused  to  go  into 
the  hospital,  but  that  I  should  continue  to  refuse  to  bear  arms 
from  principle.  He  then  offered  to  place  me  on  the  pioneer 
corps,  for  the  time  being,  and  to  use  his  influence  to  get  me  a 
situation  in  the  hospital.  He  said  that  the  pioneers  had  no 
drilling  or  fighting  to  do;  that  there  was  an  order  requiring 
them  to  carry  a  gun,  but  it  was  not  always  enforced.  I  told 
him  I  should  not  carry  a  gun,  but  would  try  pioneer's  work. 
On  these  conditions  I  was  then  released;  the  major  coming 
again  in  the  mean  time  in  company  with  the  colonel  of  one  of 
the  Pennsylvania  regiments,  and  Lieut. -Col.  Allen  of  the 
Twelfth  Massachusetts.  As  I  had  expressed  a  desire  to  talk 
with  the  major,  he  asked  me  what  I  had  to  say. 

REPLY.     My  religion  is  the  religion  of  Christ. 

ALLEN.     Poh!     That's  played  out. 

Soon  after  I  was  released,  orders  came  to  pack  up,  and 
march.  Feeling  quite  unwell,  and  unable  to  carry  a  load,  in 
consequence  of  an  attack  of  lumbago,  I  went  to  the  surgeon, 
and  asked  him  to  get  my  things  carried.  He  replied,  "  I  will 
if  I  can."  Soon  after,  I  went  to  him  again;  and  he  said,  **  I 
will  see  you  again .  I  cannot  carry  your  things."  Weak  and 
in  pain  I  sat  on  the  ground  and  waited,  hoping  that  some 
friendly  wagon  would  assist  me;  but  they  all  left  camp,  and  I 
was  alone :  then  taking  up  my  knapsack,  haversack,  and  can 
teen,  but  leaving  the  gun  on  the  ground,  I  dragged  myself  along 
in  the  direction  of  the  train,  arriving  in  camp  at  Catlett's  Sta 
tion  at  eleven  o'clock,  and  lay  down  completely  exhausted  till 
daylight. 

The  next  day  I  addressed  a  letter  to  Gen.  Baxter,  brigade 
commander,  of  the  same  general  import  as  my  former  ones,  but 
received  no  response.  On  the  following  day,  as  we  were  about 
starting  again,  I  went  to  the  surgeon  to  get  some  relief  from 
the  incessant  pain  I  was  suffering,  and  also  to  have  my  load 
carried.  He  gave  me  some  medicine,  but  said  he  could  not  get 
my  knapsack  carried.  During  the  march  of  three  days  and 
two  nights  I  slept  in  the  open  air.  When  we  arrived  at  Brandy 
Station  (the  regiment  arrived  one  day  in  advance  of  me)  I  felt 
more  dead  than  alive.  When  we  were  again  about  to  start,  I 
applied  to  the  surgeon  to  assist  me  by  carrying  my  things ;  but 
he  referred  me  to  Cook,  saying,  u  I  will  assist  you  if  the  major 
says  so."  I  appealed  to  the  major,  who  said,  "  I  told  you  I 
would  try  to  get  you  a  place  in  the  hospital  if  you  would  do 
your  duty;  and  is  this  doing  it  ?  Where  is  your  gun  V  " 


118  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.          ANSWER.     I  left  it  on  the  ground  at  Bristow  Station. 
Nov. 4.          COOK.     Is  this  the  way  to  do  your  duty? 

ANSWER.     Did  I  not  tell  you  that  I  would  not  carry  a  gun? 

COOK.  Well,  I  don't  intend  to  show  many  favors  to  a  man 
that  shirks  his  duty  as  you  have  done. 

ANSWER.     I  have  shirked  nothing. 

Finding  I  could  get  no  assistance,  I  was  obliged  to  march 
with  the  rest.  Our  course  was  back  again,  across  the  Rappa- 
hannock,  as  far  as  Bealton:  here  I  placed  myself  under  the  sur 
geon's  care,  expecting  to  find  relief  from  my  sufferings,  and  in 
a  few  days  began  to  feel  better. 

One  incident  in  passing.  On  the  morning  after  our  arrival  in 
Bealton,  I  called  on  Lieut.  Bachelder,  commanding  the  com 
pany,  and  asked  for  a  copy  of  the  revised  "  Army  Regulations." 
He  said  he  had  none,  but  asked  me  what  I  wished  to  know,  as 
he  could  give  me  any  information  necessary.  I  told  him  I 
wished  to  know  if  officers  had  a  legal  right  to  punish  a  private 
severely,  by  torture,  without  a  trial.  "  Yes,"  he  replied,  "  to 
any  extent  that  is  necessary  to  enforce  obedience." 

REPLY.  I  thought  there  was  at  least  a  show  of  justice  in 
the  army;  but,  if  your  interpretation  is  correct,  then  I  am  mis 
taken  " 

LIEUTENANT.  Who  is  defending  your  home  from  invasion, 
if  it  is  not  this  same  army  ?  We  are  acting  purely  on  the  de 
fensive.  It  is  a  case  of  life  and  death.  What  would  you  do  if 
a  madman  should  come  into  your  house,  and  attempt  to  murder 
your  family?  Would  you  not  fight?  We  came  here  to  defend 
Washington.  The  rebels  would  have  burnt  it  long  ago,  had  it 
not  been  for  this  army.  What  kind  of  a  government  would  you 
have,  if  you  had  your  way? 

REPLY.  In  extreme  cases  that  you  mention,  I  know  not 
what  I  should  do.  I  would  have  a  government  where  all  for 
eign,  all  intestine,  differences  are  settled  by  arbitration. 

My  answer  caused  dissenting  replies  from  several  members 
of  the  company  gathered  around  us,  the  lieutenant  saying. 
44  Well,  when  you  find  such  a  government  as  that,  the  millenium 
will  not  be  far  distant.  I  believe  I  understand  the  position  of 
the  government :  that  it  is  battling  against  a  horde  of  despica 
ble,  though  powerful,  traitors,  who  are  seeking  to  rend  asunder 
the  fairest  and  best-organized  institutions  the  world  ever  saw ; 
that  we  are  not  mere  neighbors,  living  side  by  side,  but  one 
great  family  of  States;  and,  therefore,  ours  is  an  internecine 
war,  and  it  must  assert  and  maintain  the  majesty  of  the  law, 
or  to  '  night  and  silence  sink  forever  more.'  ' 


MINE  RUN.  H9 

1863.  I  saw  plainly,  that,  by  consenting  to  do  "  duty,"  I  was  assist 
ing  directly  in  the  war;  and  this,  after  weighing  the  matter 
thoroughly,  prompted  a  letter  to  Cook,  which  time  and  space 
forbid  publishing.  After  writing  this  letter  I  was  thrown 
into  the  division  guard-house,  by  command  of  Gen.  Newton. 
Charges  were  preferred  against  me  for  "  uttering  treasonable 
language."  First,  "  mutiny  and  disobedience  of  orders." 
But,  finding  that  this  could  not  be  laid  against  me,  it  was  so 
changed  as  to  make  it  necessary  to  lay  the  matter  before  the 
government,  and  await  the  slow  process  of  its  complicated  ma 
chinery. 

On  the  26th  of  November  the  army  moved  beyond  the  Rapi- 
dan.  On  starting  I  had  not  even  a  crumb  of  bread  or  a  mor 
sel  of  meat  in  my  haversack;  and  yet  we  are  told  by  Cook 
**  that  Pratt  received  the  same  shelter  and  rations  that  govern 
ment  furnished  the  other  conscripts." 

At  this  place  (Kelly's  Ford)  I  applied  for  a  trial,  —  once  to 
Cook,  and  once  to  judge-advocate  (Lieut.  Meade),  — but  got 
only  evasive  answers  from  Cook,  and  downright  incivility  from 
Meade.  On  the  llth  of  January  I  had  orders  to  "  pack  up," 
and  report  to  the  provost-marshal,  Lieut.  Mason  of  the  Twelfth, 
who  read  to  me  an  order  from  Secretary  Stanton,  requiring  him 
to  release  J.  Wesley  Pratt  from  military  duty,  on  giving  my 
parole  of  honor  to  return  when  called  for.  I  gave  my  parole, 
and  came  on  to  Washington. 

NOV.  e.         At  four  P.M.  marched  seven  miles  to  Catlett's  Station. 
NOV.  7.         At   3.30   A.M.    the   First,    Second,    and   Third   Corps 

marched  to  Morris ville,  fourteen  miles. 
NOV. s.         Forded   Kelly's   Ford   at    six   A.M.,    and   marched   to 

Brandy  Station,  ten  miles. 

NOV.  9.         Marched  at  five  P.M.  to  Bealton  Station. 
NOV.  10.        Moved  one  mile  farther.     One  hundred  men  detailed  to 

work  on  railroad.     Balance  on  picket  for  three  days. 
NOV.  17.        Ninety  men  for  picket ;  twenty-two  men  to  corduro}7 

roads  and  bridges. 
NOV.  20.        Brigade  inspection. 
NOV.  23.        Marched  at  eight  A.M.,  Major  Cook  in  command.    After 

a  three-mile  journey,  camped. 

NOV.  25.        One  man  joined  the  regiment,  —  a  volunteer. 
NOV.  26.        Drew  ten  days'   rations,  and  at  six  A.M.   marched  to 

Culpeper-Mine  Ford.     Crossed  the  Rapidan,  and  bivou 
acked.     Distance  fifteen  miles. 


120  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1863.  Part  of  the  Third  Corps  made  a  wrong  move,  and  so 
delayed  the  arm}',  that,  instead  of  surprising  Lee  by  con 
centrating  at  Robertson's  Tavern  and  Parker's  store,  the 
day  was  occupied  in  passing  the  Rapidan. 

Nov. 27.  The  First  Corps  marched  at  six  A.M.,  reaching  Robert 
son's  Tavern  at  eleven  A.M.,  and  finding  Warren  engaged 
with  the  enemy.  Our  division  crossed  the  plank-road  to 
re-enforce  Warren,  whereupon  the  rebs  retreated  to  a 
strong  position  on  the  west  bank  of  Mine  Run. 

NOV.  28.  At  daybreak  moved  a  half-mile,  and  relieved  Hay's 
division.  Marched  two  miles  more,  and  formed  line  of 
battle  near  Mine  Run,  where  Lee  was  concentrated  and 
intrenched.  At  a  little  after  dark  the  Twelfth  went  on 
picket.  The  line  of  battle  was  six  miles  in  length,  and 
consisted  of  the  Second  and  Sixth  Corps,  two  divisions  of 
the  First  Corps,  and  part  of  the  Third  Corps. 

NOV.  29.        The  regiment  lay  on  its  arms  all  da}*. 

NOV.  so.  Meade  announced  his  plan  of  battle.  At  eight  A.M. 
Warren  was  to  assail  the  right :  one  hour  later  Sedgwick 
was  to  attack  the  left,  while  the  First  and  Third  Corps 
were  to  assault  the  centre.  The  artillery  promptly  opened  ; 
the  skirmishers  in  the  centre  dashed  forward;  Sedgwick. 
was  all  ready  ;  but  Warren,  after  a  careful  examination, 
pronounced  the  scheme  hopeless  ;  and  Meade  acquiesced 
in  Warren's  opinion. 

Dec.  i.  In  the  morning  the  Twelfth  shifted  to  the  left  of  the 
turnpike,  and  at  four  P.M.  started  for  Germania  Ford, 
where  it  bivouacked,  after  a  ten-mile  march. 

Dec.  2.  Crossed  the  Rapidan  at  five  A.M.  on  pontoons  ;  marched 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  and  stacked  arms.  At  ten  A.M. 
were  sent  to  support  a  battery.  At  noon  marched,  and 
bivouacked  to  the  right  of  Brandy  Station  after  a  twelve- 
mile  journey. 

The  campaigning  of  1863  was  over.  Since  crossing 
the  Potomac,  on  July  18,  the  regiment  had  marched 
nearly  three  hundred  miles  ;  and,  though  not  actually  en 
gaged  with  the  enemy  to  any  great  extent,  it  had  borne 
its  full  share  of  hardship  and  privation.  When  we  recol 
lect  the  duties  of  an  arm}'  commissary,  the  following  story 


MINE  RUN.  121 

1863.    told  by  the  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  is  certainly 
r>ec' 2'    a  vivid  commentary  on  how  the  men  in  the  ranks  must 

have  fared. 

In  speaking  Off  the  Mine-Run  campaign,  the  historian  of 

the  Eleventh  Peuns}Tlvania  says,  — 

"  Even  the  brigade  commissary  was  on  short  allowance,  as 
the  novel  mode  to  which  he  resorted  to  supply  himself  will  fully 
attest.  Riding  off  some  distance  from  the  troops  to  a  fine-look 
ing  residence,  he  represented  himself  to  the  family  as  an  officer 
of  Stuart's  cavalry,  disguised  in  Yankee  uniform  the  better  to 
watch  the  movements  of  the  Yankee  army.  Without  a  question 
he  was  taken  into  their  confidence.  All  the  information  they 
had  was  readily  communicated,  and  —  better  still  for  the  cap 
tain  —  preparations  were  at  once  made  for  dinner.  An  old 
colored  woman  who  overheard  the  conversation,  unperceived  by 
the  family,  started  off  in  all  haste  for  the  nearest  body  of 
soldiers.  She  was  not  long  in  finding  some  one  to  listen  to 
her  story,  and  a  lieutenant  and  a  squad  of  men  were  despatched 
to  make  the  arrest.  The  squad  arrived  at  the  house  as  the  offi 
cer  was  sitting  down  to  the  table.  Expostulation  was  useless; 
they  had  no  time  for  delay;  and  he  yielded  himself  a  prisoner 
to  the  guard.  Taken  before  the  corps  commander,  of  course  he 
was  recognized  as  Capt.  Bucklin,  commissary  of  the  second 
brigade;  but  it  was  Capt.  Bucklin  without  his  dinner."  1 

i  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  311. 


122  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


CHAPTER    X. 

THE   LAST   WINTER, 

1863.  AT  njne  AtMe  marched  without  rations,  crossed  Moun- 
A  tain  Run,  and  waded  Kelt's  Ford  —  water  waist  deep. 
Camped  on  the  north  side  of  the  river. 

Dec.  4.          Re-crossed,  and  camped  on  the  south  side. 

The  Ninth  New  York,  in  their  regimental  histoiy,  say  of 
this,  — 

"  The  object  in  fording  the  river  twice  in  twenty-four  hours 
through  the  dead  of  winter  was  a  mystery;  but  the  supposition 
was,  that  it  was  the  ebullition  of  angry  feelings  from  the  one 
that  ordered  it.  However,  it  was  uncalled  for."  l 

Dec.  5.  General  at  two  P.M.  ;  after  getting  all  packed  up,  the  re 
call  sounded  at  six  P.M.  New  clothing  arrived.  At  night 
the  rebels  fired  on  our  pickets. 

Dec.  e.          Thirty-three  conscripts  joined. 

Dec.  10.         Ordered  to  get  ready  for  winter  quarters. 

Dec.  12.         Formally  ordered  into  winter  quarters. 

Dec.  is.  The  men  having  been  working  on  their  houses  since  the 
5th,  on  this  day  completed  and  occupied  them. 

Dec.  14.         Clear  and  cold. 

Dec.  19.  Mud  knee-deep.  An  orderly  brought  to  the  camp  news 
of  rebel  cavaliy  lurking  in  the  vicinity. 

Dec.  20.  Cars  from  Washington  passed  through  to  Brandy  Sta 
tion  for  the  first  time  in  six  days. 

Dec.  23.         Received  marching  orders. 

Dec.  24.  Reveille  at  four  A.M.  ;  marched  at  seven  A.M.  Major 
Cook  left  for  home  sick ;  and  Capt.  Hastings  took  com 
mand  of  the  regiment.  Marched  fifteen  miles,  and  camped 
near  Cedar  Run. 

i  P.  174. 


THE  LAST    WINTER.  123 

1863.  After  a  hard  day's  work,  got  into  the  second  winter 

Dec.  25.  J 

1864.  quarters. 

Jan.  i.          Ordered  to  Cedar  Mountain. 

Jan.  2.          In  a  driving  snow-storm,  marched  at  six  A.M. 

Jan.  4.          Shifted  camp  about  one  mile.     Rainy. 

Jan.  5.  Ordered  to  Culpeper,  which  place  was  reached  at  dark. 
Capt.  D.  D.  Jones,  quartermaster,  assigned  the  regiment 
to  some  buildings  on  corner  of  Davis  and  Commerce 
Streets.  They  had  formerly  been  used  as  warehouses  by 
the  Adams  Express  Company.  From  their  resemblance 
to  the  historic  prison  at  Richmond,  these  quarters  were 
promptly  nicknamed  "  The  Libby."  The  Twelfth  Massa 
chusetts  and  Eighty-eighth  and  Ninetieth  Penns3Tlvauia 
were  assigned  to  provost  duty,  relieving  the  Fourteenth 
Brooklyn. 

Jan.  6.  Capt.  Hastings  left  for  home  on  ten  da3*s'  leave  of  ab 
sence  ;  Capt.  Hazel  in  command  of  the  regiment. 

Jan.  10.  Sunday.  Several  reb  deserters  came  in.  Furloughs 
began  to  be  granted. 

Jan.  11.         Six  volunteers  joined  regiment. 

Jan.  12.  One  of  the  brigade  ambulances  was  seized  by  Virginia 
cavalry,  and  taken  to  Richmond. 

Jan.  21.         Gen.  Newton's  family  arrived. 

Jan.  25.         At  night  our  pickets  heard  some  firing  along  the  reb  line. 

Jan.  27.  In  the  morning  thirty-eight  reb  deserters  came  in.  The 
firing  heard  on  the  night  of  the  25th  was  caused  by  the 
rebs  endeavoring  to  resist  the  departure  of  ninety-eight  of 
their  comrades. 

Jan.  29.  Moved  on  the  Sperryville  pike,  one  and  a  half  miles 
from  town,  and  built  the  third  winter  quarters. 

Jan.  so.  The  rest  of  the  brigade  arrived,  bringing  two  plagues, 
—  the  enrolment  officer  and  the  small-pox.  A  few  were 
persuaded  to  re-enlist. 

Jan.  31.  The  month  closed  with  a  snow-storm  :  there  were  but 
two  pleasant  days  in  it. 

Feb.  i.  Rain.  One  hundred  and  three  reb  deserters  came  in  at 
night. 

Feb.  4.  In  the  evening  a  delegation  attended  a  concert  in  Cul 
peper,  given  by  the  Fourteenth  Brooklyn.  At  eleven 
P.M.  received  marching  orders. 


124  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1864.         Marched  at  6.30  A.M.      Firing  heard  in  direction  of 

Feb>  5>  Raccoon  Ford.  The  rebs  were  plainly  visible,  and  now 
and  then  a  shot  from  their  batteries  went  over  our  heads. 
The  batteries  with  us  made  no  reply,  orders  being  not  to 
bring  on  an  engagement.  The  violent  rain  made  the  road 
a  sea  of  mud,  through  which  we  floundered  till  nightfall, 
when  the  regiment  bivouacked  in  a  field  near  Raccoon 
Ford. 

Feb.  7.  The  rebel  artillery  fire  grew  so  hot  that  at  seven  A.M. 
the  regiment  shifted  camp.  During  the  day  we  changed 
camp  three  times.  Twice  the  rebs  tried  to  break  our 
picket-line,  but  failed.  At  5.30  P.M.  we  started  back  for 
Culpeper,  distant  nine  miles.  The  roads  were  frightful. 
Often  the  artillery  had  to  double  up,  and  the  infantry  help 
pull  the  guns.  During  the  day  the  regiment  marched 
,  twenty  miles,  reaching  Culpeper  at  nine  P.M.  We  found 
our  old  camp  untouched,  but  the  troops  in  Culpeper  were 
all  packed  up  and  waiting  orders. 

Feb.  9.  The  paymaster  arrived,  and  the  concerts  of  the  Four 
teenth  Brooklyn  were  well  patronized. 

Feb.  is.        One  volunteer  joined  the  regiment. 

Feb.  is.  Cold,  with  many  cases  of  frost-bite.  The  first  and 
second  divisions  were  reviewed. 

Feb  20  Major  Cook  returned  from  sick-leave,  and  resumed 
command.  A  violent  rain-storm  raged  for  thirty-eight 
hours. 

Feb  22         Fourteen  reb  deserters  came  in. 

Feb  24         Gen.  Newton  reviewed  the  corps. 

Feb  2g  The  Third  and  Sixth  Corps  passed  camp.  At  eleven 
P.M.  received  orders  to  be  read}T  to  move  at  a  moment's 
notice. 

Feb  29  Furious  rain-storm.  At  noon  one  of  Compan}r  H  died 
in  hospital.  His  body  was  sent  home  to  Massachusetts. 


THE  LAST   CAMPAIGN.  125 


CHAPTER  XI. 

UNDER   GRANT.  —  THE   LAST   CAMPAIQN, 

1864.  TTLYSSES  S.  GRANT  was  made  lieutenant-general, 
vJ  and  placed  in  command  of  all  the  armies  of  the 
United  States.  Four  conscripts  joined  regiment. 

Mar.  2.  Gen.  Grant  visited  Meade's  headquarters  very  pri 
vately,  and,  on  departing  for  Nashville,  left  orders  for  the 
camps  to  be  cleared  of  women  and  non-combatants. 

Mar.  8.  The  Third  and  Sixth  Corps  returned  from  their  expedi 
tion.  Four  deserters  from  the  Forty-eighth  Mississippi 
came  in. 

Mar.  10.        The  ladies  were  all  gone. 

Mar.  11*  Rain,  hail,  snow,  thunder,  and  a  furious  wind.  Rained 
steadily  for  the  next  two  days. 

Mar.  17.         One  volunteer  arrived. 

Mar.  is.  Received  orders  to  move.  This  was  modified  to  simply 
hold  yourselves  in  readiness,  and  then  changed  to  "  stay 
in  present  camps." 

Mar.  19.        Snow.     Pa3*master  came. 

Mar.  21.        Tents  arrived  for  Grant  and  staff.     Twelfth  on  picket. 

Mar.  24.  Grant  came.  The  First  and  Fifth  Corps  were  consoli 
dated  ;  Newton  being  relieved,  and  Warren  taking  the 
command.  Our  badge  now  was  the  white  disk  of  the 
First  Corp,  with  the  blue  Maltese  cross  of  the  Fifth  Corps 
resting  on  it. 

Gen.  Newton,  in  his  farewell  address,  said,  — 

"  In  relinquishing  command,  I  take  occasion  to  express  the 
pride  and  pleasure  I  have  experienced  in  my  connection  with 
you,  and  my  profound  regret  at  our  separation.  Identified  by 
its  services  with  the  history  of  the  war,  the  First  Corps  gave  at 
Gettysburg  a  crowning  proof  of  valor  and  endurance  in  saving 


126  THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 

1864.  from  the  grasp  of  the  enemy  the  strong  position  upon  which 
the  battle  was  fought.  The  terrible  losses  suffered  by  the  corps 
in  that  conflict  attest  its  supreme  devotion  to  the  country. 
Though  the  corps  has  lost  its  distinctive  name  by  the  present 
changes,  history  will  not  be  silent  upon  the  magnitude  of  its 
services."  1 

Mar.  25.  The  Fifth  Corps,  with  Warren  and  staff',  joined  the 
First  Corps  ;  and  in  the  consolidation  we  retained  our 
brigade  and  division  organization :  the  four  divisions  of 
the  Fifth  Corps  being  led  b}'  Griffin,  Robinson,  Crawford, 
Wads  worth. 

Mar.  26.        Corps  reviewed  by  Grant,  Meade,  and  Warren. 

Mar.  28.        Col.  Bates  returned,  and  took  command  of  regiment. 

April  i.  Heavy  rain,  causing  freshets  which  carried  away  the 
bridges  near  the  town,  thus  blockading  the  trains  and 
stopping  the  mails.  On  the  trains  thus  delayed  were  one 
hundred  and  three  conscripts  on  their  way  to  the  regi 
ment. 

Aprils.  The  following  letter,  written  April  8,  18G4,  to  the  adju 
tant-general  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps,  by  Col.  Bates,  tells 
plainly  the  strength  of  the  Twelfth  at  that  time,  also  the 
amount  of  work  which  was  required  of  it.  He  sa}'s,  — 

"I  have  the  honor  to  call  your  attention  to  the  enclosed 
table  of  men  detached  from  the  regiment  within  and  without 
the  corps.  Our  morning  report  shows  207  enlisted  men  present 
for  duty,  and  144  men  detached  within  this  department  or 
corps,  and  37  men  detached  without  the  corps,  making  181 
under  other  authority  than  mine.  I  had  the  honor,  nearly  a 
year  ago,  to  send  Gen.  Reynolds,  commanding  the  First  Corps, 
a  similar  detailed  account;  and  he  ordered  all  men  in  excess  of 
our  due  proportion  to  be  returned  to  duty  with  the  regiment, 
and  that  no  more  men  should  be  detailed  from  the  Twelfth. 
Before  any  action  was  taken  upon  the  subject,  the  Gettysburg 
campaign  commenced.  Gen.  Reynolds  was  killed;  and  nothing 
has  been  done  about  it,  and  the  details  have  continued  in  about 
the  same  proportion  as  before.  This  has  ever  kept  the  regi 
ment  small.  It  has  ever  been  a  fighting  regiment.  It  is  diffi 
cult  to  keep  up  that  esprit,  du  corps  with  so  few  men  as  I  have 
at  present;  and  my  object  in  this  communication  is,  to  plead  to 
have  my  men  returned  to  me.  Should  every  man  be  returned, 

1  The  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  321. 


THE  LAST  CAMPAIGN.  127 

1864.  and  we  iiave  no  men  detailed  away,  still  our  proportion  would 
be  larger  than  that  of  the  details  of  any  other  regiment  in  the 
Array  of  the  Potomac  I  firmly  believe  it  to  be  simply  just  to 
the  regiment  to  have  these  men  returned,  some  of  whom  have 
been  absent  for  more  than  two  years." 

April  H.       One  conscript  came. 

April 21.  Eighty-nine  conscripts  reached  camp,  the  balance  of 
the  one  hundred  and  three  sent  being  missing. 

April  25.       Received  marching  orders. 

April  26.  The  wagoners  detailed  from  Company  H  returned  to 
the  regiment. 

May  3.  Received  marching  orders  ;  moved  at  midnight.  The 
right  wing  was  composed  of  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  Corps, 
the  Fifth  Corps  leading,  with  Wilson's  cavalry  division 
ahead. 

May  4.  At  noon  crossed  the  Rapidan  at  Germania  Ford.  Halted 
about  an  hour,  and  were  joined  by  two  other  corps. 
Marched  at  1.15  P.M.  Went  five  miles  on  the  plank-road, 
and  bivouacked  at  Old  Wilderness  Tavern.  The  Twelfth 
was  sent  on  picket.  Total  distance  marched,  seventeen 
miles.  Though  —  as  it  afterwards  appeared  —  the  rebels 
were  but  two  miles  away,  neither  side  was  aware  of  the 
other's  proximitj7. 

May  5.  At  four  A.M.  marched  in  direction  of  Parker's  store. 
After  travelling  a  short  distance,  Crawford's  division 
struck  Hill's  column,  which  was  advancing  to  meet  us. 
Grant  and  Meade  rode  up,  but  would  not  believe  it  any 
thing  other  than  a  strong  rear-guard.  (They  speedily 
learned  otherwise.)  Crawford  was  instructed  to  hold  on 
to  the  plank-road,  while  Griffin  and  Wadsworth,  sup 
ported  by  Robinson,  attacked.  The  enemy  were  found  to 
be  strongly  posted.  On  our  right  the  Sixth  Corps  gave 
wa}r,  but  the  rebs  kept  on  the  defensive.  After  losing 
three  thousand  men,  Warren  fell  back  and  formed  a  new 
line.  Wadsworth's  division  was  sent  with  our  brigade 
to  assail  Hill's  flank  and  rear.  After  a  tiresome  march, 
at  about  dark,  we  got  into  position,  and  then  advanced 
one  mile,  firing  rapidly.  At  this  juncture  some  of  Com 
pany  E,  which  was  the  right  of  the  line,  saw  a  column  of 


128 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1864.  rebs  moving  to  our  right  to  outflank  us.  Part  of  the 
Twelfth  changed  front  to  the  right,  and  delivered  a  de 
structive  fire,  which  broke  the  rebel  line ;  but  it  soon 
rallied.  It  was  now  8.30  P.M.  ;  and  we  rested  on  our 
arms  for  the  night,  so  near  to  the  reb  skirmishers,  that,  as 
Lossing  sa3's,  "  the  combatants  drew  water  from  the  same 
brook."  Lieut.-Col.  Allen,  who  was  serving  on  Gen. 
Robinson's  staff,  was  killed  during  the  day. 
The  total  casualties  were,  — 

OFFICERS.  ENLISTED    MEN.  TOTALS. 

Killed      .....     2  13  15 

Wounded        ....     5  37  42 

57 

May  6.  At  daybreak  the  Twelfth  was  thrown  out  as  skirmishers, 
and,  advancing  on  the  double-quick,  —  closely  followed 
by  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  —  drove  the  enemy  about  two 
miles,  gaining  possession  of  the  plank-road.  The  woods 
were  so  thick  that  at  no  time  were  a  thousand  men  visible 
from  one  point.  Grant  issued  his  famous  order,  "  Attack 
along  the  whole  line  at  five  o'clock;"  and,  with  the 
Twelfth  as  skirmishers,  the  corps  of  Hancock  and  War 
ren  advanced  to  the  assault.  Our  brigade  encountered  a 
battery  which  fired  showers  of  grape  and  canister,  but  so 
dense  was  the  forest  that  very  few  casualties  occurred. 

In  this  advance,  part  of  the  regiment  marched  directl}' 
across  the  plank-road,  continuing  onward  ;  but  part  ob 
liqued  to  the  right :  it  was  night  before  the  regiment  re 
united  near  the  De  Lace}'  House. 

The  brigade  also  got  separated,  part  throwing  up  in- 
trenchments  under  command  of  Col.  Bates,  part  being 
sent  under  command  of  Col.  Coulter  to  support  Hancock. 
Gen.  Baxter  was  wounded  on  this  day. 

The  regimental  loss  was,  — 

OFFICERS.          ENLISTED    MEN.          TOTALS. 

Killed         ....         1  3  4 

Wounded    ....          4  17  21 

25 

The  total  loss  to  date  being  ninety-three. 


THE  LAST  CAMPAIGN.  129 

1864.  In  the  morning  four  companies  under  Capt.  Hastings 
May7t  were  attacked,  but  handsomely  repulsed  their  assailants, 
losing  two  killed  and  four  wounded.  At  nine  A.M.  the 
regiment  was  relieved  by  the  Fifteenth  New  York  Heavy 
Artillery ;  and  shortly  afterwards  the  balance  of  the  bri 
gade,  under  Col.  Coulter,  rejoined  us.  Remained  here  till 
nine  P.M.,  when  the  march  to  Spottsylvania  Court  House 
commenced  ;  the  Fifth  Corps  moving  on  the  Brock  Road 
via  Todd's  Tavern. 

Mays.  At  three  A.M.  halted.  Resumed  the  march  at  five  A.M. 
At  Todd's  Tavern  found  our  cavalry  blocking  the  way. 
The  Twelfth  was  in  the  advance,  Adjutant  Wehrum  riding 
ahead.  Suddenly  "  a  solitar}^  horseman  "  rode  out  from 
the  forest,  and  reined  his  horse  in  front  of  our  adjutant. 


"  What  regiment  is  this?  " 

"  The  Twelfth  Massachusetts." 

1C 


Order  them  to  deploy  on  the  left  of  the  road.  What 
regiment  comes  next?  " 

"  The  Ninth  New  York." 

"  Order  them  to  deploy  on  the  right  of  the  road." 

u  B}T  whose  order?  " 

The  figure  raised  the  flapping  brim  of  his  felt  hat,  and 
answered  with  the  single  word,  "  Sheridan  !  " 

Col.  Bates  and  Col.  Coulter  rode  up.  The  latter  re 
ceived  the  orders  direct  from  Sheridan,  every  sentence 
being  bitten  off  with  a  "  Quick  !  Quick  !  " 

The  deplo}Tment  was  made  swiftly  enougn  to  win  ap 
proval,  even  from  the  fiery  cavalr3'man  ;  and  the  lines  swept 
on  for  about  two  miles,  when  they  became  entangled  with 
Merritt's  calvaiy.  Trees  felled  across  the  paths  so  barri 
caded  the  way  that  it  was  eight  A.M.  before  Robinson's 
division  —  the  advance  of  the  Fifth  Corps  —  emerged  from 
the  forest  into  the  clearing  at  Alsop's  Farm,  near  Spottsj'l- 
vania  Court  House.  Here  we  encountered  a  fierce  fire 
from  the  woods,  the  Twelfth  deplo3'ing  as  skirmishers,  and, 
after  a  struggle,  driving  the  enenry's  line  of  dismounted 
cavalry  about  three  miles. 

In  this  charge  Gen.  Robinson  was  wounded  ;  and  the 
division  began  to  recoil,  when  Warren  came  up  with  the 
balance  of  the  corps,  and  re-formed  the  lines.  We  had 


130  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1864.  met  the  advance  of  Longstreet's  corps  under  Anderson. 
The  Fifth  Corps  steadily  advanced,  but  found  Spottsylva- 
nia  Court  House  in  possession  of  Longstreet.  The  firing 
was  so  furious  that  the  Maryland  brigade  of  the  Fifth 
Corps  gave  way,  and  almost  created  a  panic  ;  but  Warren, 
seizing  one  of  their  regimental  colors,  succeeded  in  rally 
ing  them.  The  Twelfth,  by  Gen.  Warren's  orders,  fixed 
bayonets,  deployed  under  a  murderous  fire,  and  stopped 
the  flight  of  fugitives  toward  the  rear.  The  Twelfth  here 
lost  five  killed,  eleven  wounded.  Col.  Coulter  took  com 
mand  of  the  division,  Col.  Bates  was  in  command  of  the 
brigade,  Lieut. -Col.  Cook  in  charge  of  the  regiment. 

The  Fifth  Corps  formed  line  of  battle,  and  intrenched : 
five-days'  rations  were  issued.  In  the  midst  of  this,  the 
brigade  was  summoned  to  support  the  Sixth  Corps,  which 
was  being  hotly  attacked.  After  several  wild  attempts  to 
break  our  lines,  the  enemy  desisted  from  further  effort. 
During  the  clay  we  changed  positions  several  times,  and 
at  three  P.M.  massed  under  direction  of  Col.  Coulter. 
At  night  the  brigade  drew  thirty-five  thousand  rounds  of 
ammunition.  Col.  Coulter,  in  his  report  for  this  day, 
says, — 

'•The  disability  of  Gen.  Robinson  at  this  juncture  was  a 
severe  blow  to  the  division,  and  certainly  influenced  the  fortunes 
of  the  day.  The  want  of  our  commanding  officer  prevented 
that  concert  of  action  which  alone  could  have  overcome  the 
enemy  in  front."1 

May  9.  Owing  to  scarcity  of  officers  and  men,  the  division  was 
broken  up;  our  brigade  reporting  to  S.  W.  Crawford's 
division,  where  we  met  our  old  friends,  the  Penns3~lvania 
Reserves.  The  day  was  spent  in  intrenching,  and,  with 
the  exception  of  some  skirmish  firing,  was  quiet.  Gen. 
Sedgwick,  commanding  the  Sixth  Corps,  was  killed  by  a 
sharpshooter. 

May  10.  Early  in  the  morning  moved  to  Jones's  plantation.  At 
noon  the  brigade  drove  in  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  got  to 
within  seventy-five  feet  of  their  works,  which  were  on 
Laurel  Hill,  and  very  strong.  Webb  and  Carroll  had 

1  Story  of  the  Regiment,  p.  332. 


THE  LAST  CAMPAIGN.  131 

1864.  failed  to  cany  them  during  the  morning,  and  our  charge 
was  but  a  prelude  to  the  assault  made  by  the  divisions  of 
Cutler  and  Crawford.  At  three  P.M.  the  attack  was  made, 
the  works  were  carried,  and  at  five  P.M.  turned  over  to 
the  Second  and  Fifth  Corps.  The  regiment  had  been 
under  fire  six  hours,  losing,  — 

OFFICERS.          ENLISTED   MEN.          TOTALS. 

Killed 3  2  5 

Wounded  .7  11  18 

23 

The  woods  caught  fire,  and  many  of  the  wounded  were 
lost. 

May  11.  At  eight  A.M.  the  corps  began  a  series  of  assaults  on 
the  enemy's  position.  An  officer  of  the  brigade  says,— 

"  Our  lines  moved  to  the  assault  with  firm  and  steady  tread, 
but  life  was  completely  thrown  away.  It  was  madness  to  at 
tempt  the  charge.  The  troops  behaved  handsomely,  however; 
but  none  were  braver,  or  faced  the  deadly  shot  of  the  enemy 
with  more  heroism,  than  the  old  and  tried  Twelfth  Massachu 
setts.  A  finer  body  of  men  never  fought  the  Confederates." 

The  regimental  loss  was,  — 

OFFICERS.          ENLISTED   MEN.          TOTALS. 

Killed 3  7  10 

Wounded        ....       4  10  14 

24 

At  noon  it  began  to  rain,  and  the  rifle-pits  speedily  filled 
with  water.  Being  constantly  under  fire,  it  was  impossible 
to  pitch  tents. 

May  12.  The  regiment  went  on  the  skirmish-line ;  Col.  Bates 
being  in  command  of  the  corps-skirmishers,  with  instruc 
tions  not  to  withdraw  except  by  express  order  from 
Meade.  At  eleven  A.M.  orders  came  to  withdraw,  and  at 
2.30  P.M.  we  began  the  movement ;  Capt.  Hazel  and  Corn- 
pan}*  K  covering  the  rear,  which  was  so  hotl}r  pressed  by 
the  enemy  that  we  were  compelled  to  "  close  up  on  the 
centre,  and  form  line  of  battle."  At  dark  the  withdrawal 
was  continued,  and  on  reaching  the  Second-Corps  lines  a 


132  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1864.  delay  of  an  hour  ensued  —  owing  to  Hancock  having  no 
pickets  out  —  ere  the  regiment  passed  into  the  Union 
lines. 

May  15.  Marched  at  3.30  A.M.;  halted  at  arm}'  headquarters, 
where,  at  noon,  the  Fifth  Corps  arrived,  and  we  rejoined 
our  brigade.  Still  raining. 

May  n.  At  seven  A.M.  moved  about  two  miles  to  left  and  front, 
—  under  fire,  of  course,  —  and  threw  up  breastworks. 
During  the  night  the  Ninth  New  York  —  which  picketed 
in  front  of  us  —  kept  up  such  an  unnecessary  firing  that 
Col.  Coulter  went  out  to  silence  them.  He  being  wounded, 
Col.  Bates  once  more  assumed  command  of  the  brigade  ; 
Lieut. -Col.  Cook  taking  command  of  the  regiment. 

May  is.  Heavy  artilleiy  firing  in  our  front.  At  five  P.M.  were 
ordered  to  support  the  heavy  artillery  division  near  the 
Fredericksburg  pike.  Went  about  two  miles,  part  of  the 
wa}'  double-quick,  and  found  the  "  heavies  "  engaged  with 
Ewell,  who  was  trying  to  capture  our  slippy-train  parked 
near  b}'.  We  were  placed  in  reserve,  but  the  "  heavies  " 
repulsed  Ewell  without  our  assistance. 

May  19.  At  five  A.M.  moved  a  mile  to  the  front ;  found  Eweli  had 
decamped.  At  6.30  A.M.  moved  back  to  our  previous 
position. 

May  21.  At  10.30  A.M.  commenced  a  forced  march,  reaching 
Guinea  Station  at  five  P.M.  Crossed  the  Matapon}*,  and 
encountered  a  rebel  cavalry  division,  which  retreated  as 
we  advanced.  The  regiment  was  sent  on  picket. 

May  22.  At  five  A.M.  the  brigade  started  on  a  reconnoissance. 
Drove  a  rebel  calvary  regiment  about  three  miles  ;  halted 
at  the  Telegraph  Road,  and  learned  that  Ewell  and  Long- 
street  had,  during  the  night,  marched  southward.  Col. 
Bates  forwarded  this  information,  with  a  batch  of  prison 
ers,  to  Gen.  Crawford,  and  received  orders  to  call  in  all 
advanced  detachments,  and  withdraw  his  pickets.  By 
11.30  A.M.  this  was  all  accomplished;  and  the  brigade 
started  to  rejoin  its  corps,  having  obtained  important  in 
formation,  which  determined  the  future  movements  of  the 
whole  army.  For  this  the  brigade  was  complimented  in 
General  Orders.  After  a  fourteen-mile  tramp  found  the 
corps  in  bivouac  at  Harris's  store. 


THE   LAST   CAMPAIGN.  133 

1864.        Marched  at  six  A.M.     After  six  miles  our  advance  met 

May  23'  cavalry  and  light  artillery.  These  were  soon  routed,  and 
our  column  pushed  on  to  the  North  Anna.  At  three  P.M. 
crossed  at  Jericho  Ford,  and  formed  line  of  battle,  —  Cutler 
on  the  right,  Griffin  in  the  centre,  Crawford  on  the  left. 
The  Twelfth  was  detailed  as  skirmishers  for  the  brigade, 
was  posted,  and  ordered  to  lie  down.  For  three-quarters 
of  an  hour  shot  and  shell  flew  lively  ;  but  only  one  casualty 
occurred,  — Private  Chase  of  Co.  I. 

At  six  P.M.  two  of  Hill's  divisions  attacked  Griffin,  but, 
being  repulsed,  turned  their  fury  on  Cutler.  Our  brigade 
was  ordered  to  report  to  Cutler,  who  split  it  up,  taking 
part  to  fill  gaps  in  his  line,  and  placing  the  Twelfth  in 
reserve.  A  report  that  we  were  being  outflanked  resulted 
in  orders  for  the  Twelfth  to  recross  the  river  and  investi 
gate.  Finding  it  a  false  rumor,  the  regiment  again  crossed 
the  river.  The  night  was  spent  in  intrenching,  but  dur 
ing  the  darkness  Hill  withdrew. 

May  24.  On  picket.  Advanced,  and  captured  many  prisoners. 
At  10.30  A.M.  moved  down  the  right  bank  of  the  river  to 
where  the  Ninth  Corps  was  trying  to  cross.  Formed  line 
of  battle  with  both  flanks  resting  on  the  North  Anna. 
Intrenchments  were  thrown  up,  and  the  Twelfth  —  deplo}'ed 
as  skirmishers  —  became  engaged  immediately.  The 
enenry  were  in  strong  force  ;  but,  being  sheltered  by  thick 
woods,  our  loss  was  slight.  Remained  on  picket  all  night. 
Capt.  Hastings  of  Company  H,  going  beyond  the  line  to 
reconnoitre,  was  captured. 

May 25.  At  four  A.M.  moved  a  half  a  mile  forward.  Fought 
alone  and  unaided  for  nearl}*  two  hours,  when  Cutler  came 
to  our  support.  We  re-formed  in  rear  of  the  brigade, 
which  had  erected  breastworks.  The  losses  this  day 
were,  — 

OFFICERS.  ENLISTED   MEN.  TOTALS. 

Killed        ....        2  1  3 

Wounded  ....        1  13  14 

17 

May  26.  Marched  at  nine  P.M.  ;  but,  the  roads  being  blocked,  we 
made  slow  progress.  Crossed  the  river  soon  after  mid 
night. 


134 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1864. 

May  27. 


May  28. 


May  29. 
May  30. 


June  1. 


June  2. 


June  3. 


Marched  at  five  A.M.  Continued  travelling  in  a  south 
easterly  direction  till  the  morning  of  May  28,  when  the 
whole  army  was  across  the  river,  and  in  communication 
with  its  new  base  of  supplies  at  White  House. 

At  six  P.M.  built  works  on  south  bank  of  the  Pamunkey. 
Warren  moved  out  from  Bethesda  Church,  and  met 
Rodes's  division,  with  cavalry.  Col.  Harding's  brigade 
of  our  division  was  the  first  to  encounter  Rodes  :  the  re 
serves  were  brought  up,  and  the  Confederate  reconnois- 
sance  was  repulsed. 

Was  devoted  to  marching  and  countermarching. 

Our  brigade  reported  at  nine  A.M.  to  Gen.  Lockwood 
for  reconnoitring  duty,  and  soon  was  briskly  engaged. 
Col.  Kitching's  Maryland  brigade  broke  and  ran,  and  we 
had  to  fill  the  gap.  After  an  hour's  severe  struggle  — 
during  which  Col.  Bates  had  a  horse  shot  —  the  enemy 
was  repulsed.  Our  loss  was,  — 


Killed    . 
Wounded 


OFFICERS. 

.       0 
2 


ENLISTED    MEN. 

2 
4 


TOTALS. 

2 
6 

8 


We  remained  in  the  intrenchments  till  June  1 . 

At  six  A.M.  advanced  about  a  mile,  and  found  the  enemy 
strongly  intrenched  in  a  thin  belt  of  woods  on  the  farther 
side  of  a  broad,  open  field.  We  built  breastworks,  and 
staid  in  them  till  five  P.M.,  when  we  marched  by  a  cir 
cuitous  route  to  the  Cold-Harbor  Road,  and  spent  the 
balance  of  the  night  in  constructing  works. 

Very  rainy.  At  daylight  the  lines  advanced,  the 
Twelfth  doing  skirmish  duty  for  the  brigade.  We  drove 
the  reb  skirmishers,  and  occupied  their  position.  Re 
peated  but  unsuccessful  attempts  were  made  to  evict  us. 
Four  men  joined  the  regiment  as  volunteers. 

Orders  were  issued  for  a  general  assault  at  4.30  A.M. 
At  four  A.M.  the  skirmishers,  with  the  Twelfth  holding  the 
right  of  the  line,  advanced.  In  the  face  of  a  tremendous 
fire  our  skirmishers  drove  the  enemy  from  their  rifle-pits. 
The  contest  lasted  without  intermission  all  day,  but  the 
Fifth-Corps  line  was  so  extended  that  it  could  only  hold 
on  to  its  positions. 


THE  LAST  CAMPAIGN.  135 

1864.  Early  in  the  morning  repulsed  an  attack  made  by  the 
e4'  enem3T's  skirmishers  in  front  of  our  brigade.  We  cap 
tured  a  lieutenant  and  two  men.  Our  loss  was  three, 
slightly  wounded. 

Junes.  At  eleven  A.M.  the  brigade  moved  four  miles  to  the  left, 
to  Bethesda  Church,  and  labored  for  the  rest  of  the  day 
in  the  trenches.  So  keen  were  the  sharpshooters  on  both 
sides,  that  it  was  very  injudicious  to  keep  otherwise  than 
well  covered. 

June  6.  An  armistice  of  a  few  hours  was  arranged  to  enable  the 
dead  —  man}'  of  whom  had  been  lying  between  the  lines 
for  four  da}*s  —  to  be  buried. 

io!ne  Was  spent  in  intrenching. 

June  11.  At  five  A.M.  moved  toward  White-Oak  Swamp.  Marched 
all  day  and  night. 

June  12.  Still  marching.  At  afternoon  the  brigade  camped  on 
a  fine  farm. 

June  13.  .  The  corps  marched  to  within  two  miles  of  White-Oak 
Swamp  Bridge,  and  halted.  Our  brigade  was  ordered  to 
relieve  Wilson's  cavalry,  said  to  be  at  the  bridge.  Found 
the  enemy  instead,  strongly  posted,  with  a  square  redoubt, 
mounting  two  guns,  covering  the  bridge.  Formed  line  of 
battle  under  a  severe  shell-fire.  The  enemy  advanced  to 
within  three  hundred  }Tards  of  the  bridge,  and  intrenched. 
The  Twelfth  —  on  skirmish-line  —  kept  them  bus}r.  Sev 
eral  times  the  rebs  endeavored  to  put  a  battery  into  posi 
tion,  but  they  failed  to  succeed.  The  Twelfth  lost  four 
wounded.  At  dark  we  were  withdrawn,  and  followed  our 
corps  toward  the  James  River.  Marched  all  night,  halt- 
.  ing  at  St.  Mary's  Church.  Since  June  11  we  had  marched 
fifty-five  miles. 

June  14.  At  five  A.M.  marched  toward  Charles-City  Court  House. 
Camped  three  miles  from  the  Court  House.  In  the  even 
ing  a  pontoon  bridge  —  over  two  thousand  feet  long  — 
was  laid  across  the  James  River,  and  the  corps  began  to 
cross. 

June  is.        Still  in  camp,  near  the  Court  House. 

June  16.  Marched  to  the.  river.  Crossed  on  steamers  ' '  Joseph 
Powell"  and  "  James  Brooks."  Reached  Petersburg  at 
dark,  and  found  the  Ninth  Corps  hotly  engaged.  Our 


136  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1864.  division  was  sent  to  support  Burnsidc.  Advanced  through 
tangled  thickets  and  marsh}T  ground,  under  a  heav}'  fire, 
and  captured  some  prisoners.  A  general  assault  was  then 
made,  and  bloodily  repulsed. 

Juno  17.  The  balance  of  the  corps  arrived.  Our  brigade,  with 
Griffin  on  our  left,  and  Burnside  on  our  right,  led  another 
assault;  the  Twelfth  being  on  the  skirmish-line.  Orders 
were  to  drive  the  foe  from  their  intrenchments  on  the  rail 
road.  Col.  Bates,  in  his  report,  says,  — 

"  This  was  performed  under  Lieut. -Col.  Cook  in  gallant 
style,  advancing  so  far  that  the  remainder  of  the  brigade 
thought  they  had  been  taken  prisoners." 

The  assault  was  made  by  our  brigade  and  Griffin's 
division  :  the  Ninth  Corps  never  stirred. 

Abbott's  "  History  of  the  Civil  War  "  say^s,  - 

*'  The  gallant  assailants  drove  the  rebels  from  their  position, 
and  captured  a  stand  of  colors,  six  guns,  and  four  hundred 
men." 

At  night,  after  a  hard  day's  desultory  fighting,  the 
troops  intrenched  in  a  line  three  hundred  j*ards  from  the 
enemy.  The  Twelfth  Massachusetts  and  Eighty-eighth 
Penns3'lvania  were  on  skirmish-line,  and  kept  matters  so 
hot,  that  in  one  instance  a  reb  gunner,  within  eas}T  range, 
after  loading  his  piece  was  unable  to  withdraw  his  rammer, 
and  so  fired  it  into  our  lines.  The  losses  in  our  brigade 
during  the  day  were  heavy. 

June  19-       Remained  in  the  trenches  under  a  continuous  fire.     The 
22. 

dead  and  wounded  were  cared  for  under  a  flag  of  truce. 

June  23.  Our  lines  were  extended  to  the  left,  and  the  men  were 
kept  bus}T  digging  a  covered  way  to  the  road. 

Relieved  by  Col.  Wilcox  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  and  moved 
two  and  a  half  miles  to  the  left  under  a  heavy  shell-fire. 
Here  ended  the  regiment's  active  service.  It  had  been 
almost  constantly  on  duty  in  this  campaign  as  skirmish 
ers,  having  been  specially  selected  for  this  duty  on  ac 
count  of  its  steadiness  and  reliability.  During  the 
advance  to  Petersburg  the  regiment  captured  more  than 
its  own  strength  in  prisoners. 

According  to  the  memorandum  kept  by  Col.  Bates,  from 


THE  LAST   CAMPAIGN. 


137 


1864. 
June  24. 


May  5  to  June  25,  —  a  period  of  fifty  da}'s,  —  the  regiment 
had  been  under  fire  forty-one  distinct  times.  The  same 
authority  declared,  that  "it  never  fired  into  its  friends, 
and  alwaj's  manifested  a  Prussian  stoicism." 

The  following  table  shows  the  losses  in  the  regiment 
during  the  same  space  of  time  :  — 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

Total. 

Agg'gate. 

Off. 

Men. 

Off. 

Men. 

Off. 

Men. 

Off.     1    Men. 

5 

41 

3 

120 

- 

3 

8 

164 

172 

One  officer  and  twelve  men  were  taken  prisoners. 

Grant's  campaign  has  been  a  subject  of  much  contro 
versy  and  severe  criticism.  Perhaps  the  worst  blow 
aimed  at  it  is  found  in  Badeau's  defence  of  the  movement. 

It  is  reasonably  certain,  after  considering  the  opera 
tions,  that  Grant  never  intended  to  fight  in  the  Wilderness  ; 
that  he  —  in  common  with  so  many  Western  generals  — 
thought  that  there  was  not  much  fight  in  Lee's  army  ;  and 
that,  had  he  onty  been  able  to  divest  himself  of  this 
notion,  much  bloodshed  might  have  been  averted.  His 
movements  acknowledge  the  Wilderness  campaign  a  fail 
ure  ;  for,  after  all  the  slaughter  from  the  Rapidan  to  the 
Chickabominy,  he  brought  up  just  where  McClellan  had 
been  two  years  earlier,  and  where  he  could  have  got 
without  losing  a  man.  The  moment  he  crossed  the  James 
River  he  only  vindicated  his  assertion  made  before  his 
promotion  to  the  chief  command,  that  "  the  true  way  to 
Richmond  was  by  approaching  from  the  south."  And 
the  moment  he  adopted  that  plan,  the  Confederacy  began 
to  gasp  for  breath. 

All  praise  is  to  be  awarded  to  Grant  for  his  steadfast 
ness,  pertinacit}',  and  bull-dog  determination  to  "fight 
it  out  on  this  line  if  it  takes  all  summer  ;  "  but  the  fact 
will  ever  remain  unshaken,  that  the  overland  route  from 
the  Rapidan  to  the  James  cost  far  more  than  it  was  worth, 
and  that  the  loss  inflicted  upon  the  enem}'  was  much 
smaller  than  our  own.  The  way  in  which  the  arm}'  was 


138  THE  WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1864.    handled,  however,  showed  that  a  skilful  hand  was  at  the 

July24t     helm;  and  the  continual  flanking  movements,  fighting  at 

every  opportunity,  tended  greatly,  no  doubt,  to  weaken 

and  discourage  the  rebels,  and  make  final  success  in  the 

spring  of  'Go  possible. 


HOMEWARD   BOUND. — MUSTEK    OUT.  139 


CHAPTER  XII. 

HOMEWARD   BOUND. —MUSTER    OUT, 

1864.    rpIIE  re-enlisted  men  and  conscripts  were  turned  over  to 
June 25.     J[   tjie  Thirty-ninth  Massachusetts  ;  and  at  three  P.M.,  the 

regiment  —  numbering  eighty-five  men  —  marched  for  City 

Point. 

"  The  Boston  Journal's  "  correspondent  wrote,  — 

"  This  regiment,  noted  for  its  modesty  as  well  as  gallantry 
and  heroic  conduct,  retired  so  quietly  from  the  lines  that  its 
absence  was  not  generally  known  till  it  was  far  on  its  way  for 
home.  Had  its  departure  been  known  in  time,  it  would  have 
received  such  demonstrations  of  respect  as  have  been  accorded 
to  none  other." 

June 27.  Remained  at  City  Point  until  June  27,  when  embarked 
on  steamer  "  Vanderbilt,"  reaching  Washington  at  ten 
A.M.  June  28.  In  the  afternoon  took  cars  for  Boston. 
When  near  Havre-de-Grace,  a  member  of  the  regiment 
was  severely  bruised  by  collision  with  a  bridge. 

In  passing  through  New  York,  the  regiment  received  a 
very  cordial  welcome  from  their  old  comrades  the  Ninth 
N.Y.S.M.  ;  and  an  exhibition  drill  by  Company  H  of  the 
Twelfth  was  greeted  with  hearty  applause. 

All  along  the  route  the  regiment  kept  swelling  its  num 
bers  by  receiving  men  who  had  been  absent  on  detached 
service,  or  in  hospital ;  so  that,  on  the  morning  of  July  1, 
it  reached  Boston  with  one  hundred  and  sevent3r  men. 

July  i.  Breakfasted  at  Beach-street  barracks  ;  and  at  eleven 
A.M.,  escorted  by  the  Westborough  Independent  Company 
of  Militia,  Capt.  C.  B.  Winslow,  with  Gihnore's  full 
band,  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts  commenced  its  last 
march,  — to  Faneuil  Hall.  "  Repeatedly  were  the  veter 
ans  greeted  with  the  heartiest  cheers  of  welcome." 


140  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

1864.        The  following  is  the  list  of  officers  who  returned  with 
July  l'      the  regiment :  — 

Colonel.  —  JAMES  L.  BATES. 

Lieutenant- Colonel.  —  BENJAMIN  F.  COOK. 

Adjutant. — Capt.  CHARLES  C.  WEIIRUM. 

Quartermaster.  —  GEORGE  E.  MUZZEY. 

Surgeon.  —  W.  H.  W.  HINDS. 

Assistant  Surgeon.  —  CHARLES  A.  WHEELER. 

Company  C.  —  Capt.  F.  B.  PRATT. 

Company  D.  —  First  Lieutenant  C.  BATCHELDER. 

Company  E.  —  First  Lieutenant  R.  M.  MASON. 

Company  G.  —  Capt.  J.  B.  WHITMAN. 

Company  H.  —  First  Lieutenant  EDWARD  LEWIS. 

Company  I.  —  First  Lieutenant  FRANK  A.  LANCASTER. 

Company  K.  —  Capt.  EDWIN  HAZEL. 

Other  officers  of  the  regiment  were  absent  wounded, 
on  detached  service,  or  in  rebel  prisons. 

Companies  A,  B,  F,  brought  home  no  officers. 

Company  A  brought  home  three  men  only  in  its  ranks. 

Capt.  Moses  N.  Arnold  remained  in  the  service  on 
Gen.  Crawford's  staff. 

"  The  Boston  Herald  "  gave  the  following  account  of 
what  happened  at  Faneuil  Hall :  — 

44  The  regiment  reached  Faneuil  Hall  about  noon,  and  par 
took  of  a  good  collation  prepared  by  the  City  Committee. 

"  The  hall  was  nicely  decorated,  and  the  galleries  were  filled 
with  friends  of  the  regiment. 

"Mayor  Lincoln,  after  the  edge  had  been  taken  from  the 
appetites  of  the  soldiers,  addressed  the  men  of  the  Twelfth. 
He  welcomed  the  regiment  home  after  its  three-years'  honorable 
service.  Referring  to  the  organization  of  the  regiment,  he  said 
it  was  no  holiday  display  that  induced  the  men  to  offer  their 
services  to  defend  the  common  flag,  and  every  man  composing 
the  regiment  expected  he  would  have  to  fight  to  crush  the  rebel 
lion. 

44  Mayor  Lincoln  passed  a  feeling  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
Col.  Webster,  and  closed  by  introducing  Adjutant-Gen.  Schouler, 
who  welcomed  the  regiment  in  behalf  of  the  governor  of  the 
Commonwealth,  who  was  prevented  from  being  present  by  im 
portant  official  business.  He  thanked  the  commander,  officers, 
and  men  of  the  regiment  for  their  three-years'  service,  and 


HOMEWARD  BOUND. — MUSTER  OUT.  141 

1864.  highly  complimented  them  for  their  bravery.  He  spoke  of  his 
acquaintance  with  the  late  commander  of  the  regiment,  and  re 
lated  some  reminiscences  of  him.  He  also  spoke  of  the  others 
who  had  fallen  in  battle  and  by  disease,  and  said  that  their 
services  would  be  ever  honored.  In  closing  he  complimented 
Col.  Bates  for  his  bravery,  and  again  extended  a  hearty  wel 
come  to  the  whole  Command. 

"  Col.  Bates  was  then  called  on,  and  took  the  stand  amid 
loud  cheers;  Gilmore's  band  playing  '  The  Bowld  Soldier  Boy.' 

"  Col.  Bates  heartily  thanked  the  mayor  and  adjutant-general 
for  the  elegant  reception,  and  said,  that,  the  day  previous  to  the 
expiration  of  the  regiment's  term  of  service,  it  was  under  the 
heaviest  fire  of  the  campaign,  yet  not  a  man  shirked;  though  — 
if  ever  shirking  could  be  justified  —  it  would  be  at  such  a  time. 

"Dr.  Shurtleff  made  a  few  remarks  in  answer  to  a  call;  the 
regiment  was  furloughed  till  ten  A.M.  on  Monday,  July  8;  and 
the  men  then  left  the  hall  for  their  homes." 

July  s.  On  July  8  the  regiment  re-assembled  on  Boston  Com 
mon  :  the  roll  was  called  for  the  last  time  by  First  Lieut. 
P.  B.  C.  Moroney,  Fourteenth  United-States  Infantr}T ; 
and  as  he  pronounced  the  words,  "  The  Twelfth  Massa 
chusetts  Volunteers  are  hereby  mustered  out  of  service, " 
the  Webster  Regiment  passed  into  history. 

July  12.  On  Tuesday,  the  12th  of  July,  the  citizens  of  Weymouth 
gave  the  members  of  Company  H  an  enthusiastic  recep 
tion.  All  who  had  served  in  the  regiment  were  invited  by 
the  selectmen  of  the  town.  Company  H  and  those  resid 
ing  in  the  vicinity  met  the  remainder  of  the  regiment  at 
the  station  in  Weymouth  Landing  at  noon  ;  and  a  proces 
sion  was  formed  under  the  chief-marshalship  of  Nathaniel 
Blanchard,  Esq.  The  march  was  taken  up  to  the  town- 
house,  where  addresses  were  made  by  distinguished  citi 
zens  of  the  town,  Col.  Bates,  and  others.  Instrumental 
music  was  furnished  by  Stetson's  Weymouth  band,  and 
vocal  music  b}r  a  select  club.  At  the  close  of  the  exer 
cises  a  bountiful  collation,  provided  by  the  ladies  of  Wey 
mouth,  was  partaken  of.  The  men  greatly  enjoyed  the 
occasion,  and  will  ever  remember  the  kindness  of  the 
friends  of  Compairy  H. 

Dec.  11.  On  Dec.  11,  1864,  the  colors  which  the  Twelfth  brought 
home  were  formall}'  presented  to  the  State  ;  many  of  the 
regiment  being  present  on  the  occasion. 


142 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1864.     Strength  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Infantry 
from  June  26,  1861,  to  July  8,  1864. 


Original  No. 

Vols. 

Con 
scripts. 

Agg'te. 

Off. 

Men. 

Mustered  in  June  26,  1861 

38 

1,002 

_ 

_ 

1,040 

Received  to  June  30,  1863 

_ 

_ 

87 

— 

87 

to  Aug.  15,  1863 

- 

- 

- 

176 

176 

to  Oct.  6,  1863 

• 

• 

_ 

30 

30 

to  Nov.  4,  1863 

_ 

_ 

_ 

48 

48 

to  Nov.  25,  1863 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

to  Dec.  6,  1863 

_ 

_ 

.. 

33 

33 

to  Jan.  11,  1864 

_ 

_ 

6 

_ 

6 

to  Feb.  13,  1864 

_ 

_ 

1 

_ 

1 

to  March  1,1864 

_ 

_ 

4 

4 

to  March  17,  1864 

_ 

_ 

1 

_ 

1 

to  April  14,  1864 
to  April  21,  1864 
to  June  2,  1864 

- 

- 

4 

1 

103 

1 
103 
4 

38 

1,002 

100 

395 

1,535 

There  were  reported  as  "  deserted,"  — 
Volunteers      . 
Conscripts 


93 
112 
205 


Of  these,  many  were  taken  prisoners  on  the  march;  but,  hav 
ing  no  official  notice  thereof,  they  were  reported  as  "  deserted." 
Doubtless  many  of  them  fill  unknown  graves  in  the  South. 


Losses  of  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts  in  Action. 


Total 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

PLACE. 

Loss. 

Off. 

Men. 

Off. 

Men. 

Off. 

Men. 

Cedar  Mountain  .        .        . 

11 

1 

_ 

3 

5 

_ 

2 

Thoroughfare  Gap       .        . 
Bull  Run,  Second        .        . 

2 
138 

2 

13 

1 

1 
59 

1 

1 

62 

South  Mountain 

2 

— 

1 

1 

— 

— 

— 

Antietara      .                .        . 

283 

3 

67 

9 

174 

- 

30 

Fredericksburg            .        . 

109 

2 

15 

9 

83 

- 

- 

Chancellorsville 

6 

— 

— 

— 

2 

- 

4 

Gettysburg  .                .        « 
Grant's  campaign 

119 

180 

2 
6 

7 
41 

8 
3 

39 
110 

3 
1 

60 
19 

Aggregates 

850 

16 

144 

34* 

473 

5 

178 

*  Two  of  these  died  of  wounds  received,  making  18  officers  killed  and  died  of 
wounds. 


HOMEWARD  SOUND. — MUSTER   OUT. 


143 


1864. 


Losses  by  Death  in  each  Company. 


Killed, 
Wounded, 
Missing. 

Died  of 
Disease. 

94 

6 

87 

3 

c, 

D  

80 
85 

7 
3 

E,  
F,  

86 

77 

2 
6 

G,  
H,  

85 
48 

3 
5 

I,  '  
K,  «  

85 
83 

3 
5 

810 

43 

List  of  Officers  Killed,  or  Died  of  Wounds. 


Col.  Fletcher  Webster     .        .        . 
Lieut.-Col.  David  Allen  . 
Major  Klisha  Burbank     . 
Asst.  Surgeon  Albert  A.  Kendall  . 
Capt.  Richard  H.  Kimball 
Capt.  Nathaniel  B.  Shurtleff  . 
Capt.  John  Ripley  .... 
Capt.  John  8.  Stoddard  . 
First  Lieut.  William  Gr.  White      . 
First  Lieut.  Arthur  Dehon     . 
First  Lieut.  Lysander  F.  Cushing  . 
First  Lieut.  Francis  Thomas  . 
First  Lieut.  Charles  GK  Russell 
First  Lieut.  William  Robinson 
First  Lieut.  David  B.  Burrill 
First  Lieut.  James  G-.  Smith  . 
Second  Lieut.  George  W.  Orne 
Second  Lieut.  Edward  J.  Kidder  . 


.  Killed  Aug.  30,  1862. 

.  Killed  May  5, 1864. 

.  Wounded  Sept.  17,  died  Nov.  30,  1862. 

.  Killed  Sept.  17,  1862. 

.  Killed  Aug.  30,  1862. 

.  Killed  Aug.  9, 1862. 

.  Wounded  Dec.  13,  died  Dec.  25, 1862. 

.  Killed  May  10,  1864. 

.  Wounded  and  died  Sept.  17, 1862. 

.  Killed  Dec.  13,  1862. 

.  Killed  Sept.  17,  1862. 

.  Killed  July  1,1863. 

.  Killed  July  1,  1863. 

.  Wounded  and  died  May  14,  1864. 

.  Killed  May  24,  1864. 

.  Wounded  and  died  June  4,  1864. 

.  Wounded  Sept.  17,  died  Oct.  8,  1862. 

.  Killed  May  10,  1864. 


Of  many  testimonials  which  exist  touching  the  estima 
tion  in  which  the  Webster  Regiment  was  held,  the  follow 
ing  unsolicited  and  unexpected  tribute  is  copied  from  "The 
Boston  Journal." 

WALNUT  STREET,  PHILADELPHIA, 

Sept.  1,  1881. 
To  the  Editor  of  "  The  Boston  Journal." 

In  reading  your  paper  this  moment  laid  down,  my  eye  was 
attracted  by  an  article  headed  "  Twelfth  Regiment,  Webster." 
I  think  it  will  give  pleasure  to  those  that  survive  of  that  regi 
ment  to  know  what  their  commander,  Gen.  Meade,  thought  of 
them.  We  met  in  Independence  Square,  and  I  questioned  the 
general  as  to  the  fighting  qualities  of  our  soldiers.  He  spoke 
in  a  general  way  of  all,  not  detracting  from  any;  but  he  said, 
the  Massachusetts  Twelfth  he  thought  the  finest  regiment  in 


144 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1864.  the  service.  These  were  his  words;  and,  if  there  is  an  officer  or 
soldier  of  that  regiment  now  living,  he  should  transmit  to  his 
descendants  these  noble  words.  A.  L.  ELWYN. 

Dr.  Elwyn  is  a  retired  ph}rsician,  living  at  1422  Walnut 
Street ;  and  his  reputation  for  veracity  is  unquestioned  by 
Philadelphians. 


Members  of  the  Regiment  buried  at  Andersonville ,  Ga. 


Company. 

NAME. 

Rank. 

Died. 

Grave. 

I 
H 
D 

Isaac  Burnham  * 
C.  E.  Gushing     . 
William  Emerson 

Sergeant 
Corporal 

Aug.    13,1864, 
June    12,  1864, 
April      7,  1864, 

5,540 

1,809 
418 

G 

A.  Frisby     . 

_ 

Sept.      8,  1864, 

8,186 

I 

Henry  Harrison  f 

_ 

April   14,  1864, 

556 

H 

F.  Harrington 

_ 

July     24,  1864, 

3,901 

I 

Leonard  B.  Holmes  * 

First  sergeant, 

Aug.      5,1864, 

4,816 

I 

8.  Lain  J 

_ 

Aug.     24,  1864, 

6,735 

A 

W.  H.  Seavey 

_ 

Sept.      3,  1864, 

7,707 

A 

W.  McGown 

_ 

Aug.    11,  1864, 

5,280 

K 

M.  Murphy  . 

_ 

June       6,  1864, 

1,680 

I 

W.  H.  Smith 

_ 

March  25,  1864, 

154 

F 

Warren  Smith 

_ 

March    5,  1864, 

9 

H 

L.  Torrey    . 

- 

April      7,  1864, 

407 

Buried  in  Antietam  Cemetery,  Md. 


Co. 

NAME. 

Rank. 

Date  of  Death. 

Grave. 

Lot. 

Sec 
tion. 

G 

James  Fitz    . 

Nov.     6,  1862, 

101 

B, 

17 

C 

Moses  Haseltine  . 

_ 

Oct.     17,  1862, 

135 

C, 

17 

F 

Hiram  Hurd 

_ 

51 

A, 

17 

D 

James  Means 

_ 

_ 

182 

c, 

17 

E 

James  D.  Murphy 

_ 

Oct.    26,  1862, 

138 

C, 

17 

G 

E.  G.  Poole  . 

_ 

Oct.     14,  1862, 

102 

B, 

17 

B 

Granville  H.  Smith 

- 

Oct.    19,  1862, 

103 

B, 

17 

Buried  at  Gettysburg  Cemetery,  Penn. 


Co. 

NAME. 

Rank. 

Died. 

Grave. 

Sec 
tion. 

I  . 
H  . 

William  Carr      . 
George  F.  Lewie        .        . 

Sergeant  . 

- 

13 
14 

C 
C 

K  . 

Hardy  P.  Murray      . 

~ 

~           ~ 

15 

C 

*  McFarlan  of  Company  E  says  Holmes  died  June  28, 1864,  and  that  Burnham 
died  June  21, 1864. 
t  Probably  meant  for  Hens  C.  Hansen.    J  Probably  meant  for  Sanford  P.  Lane. 


1864. 


HOMEWARD  BOUND. — MUSTER   OUT. 
Buried  at  Arlington  Cemetery,  Va. 


145 


NAME. 

Co. 

Died. 

d 

fc 

^-* 

1 

^ 

s 

Remarks. 

Daniel  Donovan  . 

B, 

July     2,  1862, 

32 

16 

E, 

2 

Rem'd  fr'm  Warr's 
Farm  burial-place, 
nearManassas  Sta 

tion. 

Charles  Young     . 

A, 

Sept.    8,  1863, 

58 

4 

E, 

2 

Rem'd  f  m  Bo  wen's 
Land,  near  Rappa- 

bannock  Station. 

Buried  at  Chester,  Penn. 
William  H.  Sanborn,  Co.  A,  died  June  10,  1864. 

Buried  at  Frederick,  Md. 

John  B.  Jenks,  Co.  C,  died  Oct.  7,  1862  (Area  M,  western 
side),  said  to  be  removed. 

Alfred  J.  Snow,  Co.  G,  died  Oct.  19,  1862  (Area  O,  south 
ern  corner). 

Buried  along  Orange  and  Alexandria  Railroad. 

Henri  Birkenholz,  Co.  A,  died  Jan.  13,  1864. 

F.  Brown,  Co.  G,  died  Jan.  18,  1864.  (See  Culpeper  Court 
House,  Va.) 

William  F.  Kohle,  Co.  C,  died  March  7,  1864,  at  Culpeper 
Court  House,  Va.,  Block  1,  Section  A,  Row  2,  Grave  63. 

S.  Stone,  Co.  F,  died  Jan.  11,  1864. 

Rufus  S.  Wadleigh,  Co.  K,  died  Jan.  2,  1864.  The  head 
board  reads J.  Wadleigh,  Co.  K,  died  Jan.  13, . 

Buried  at  Annapolis,  Md. 
P.  Butler,  Co.  A,  died  Dec.  8,  1863. 
P.  W.  Haugh,  Co.  B,  died  Sept.  3,  1863. 
J.  H.  Stewart,  Co.  I,  died  Nov.  9,  1863. 

Found  on  the  Battle-fields  of  Wilderness  and  Spottsylvania,  and 
buried  there. 

Second  Lieut.  Edward  Kidder,  Co.  E  (should  be  Edward  J. 
Kidder,  Co.  I). 

L.  S.  Miller,  Co.  E. 

Capt.  J.  S.  Sladdard,  Co.  F  (should  be  John  S.  Stoddard). 

Buried  at  Culpeper  Court  House,  Va.  (having  been  removed  from 

Culpeper  Cemetery}. 

J.  C.  Brown,  Co.  G,  died  July  18,  1864.  No.  155,  Row  5, 
Section  A,  Block  1. 


146 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


1864.         W.  F.  Kohle,  Co.  C,  died  March  7,  1864.     No.  63,  Row  2, 
Section  A,  Block  1. 

J.  Welsh,  Co.  K,  died  Jan.  3,  1864.     No.  146,  Row  5,  Section 
A,  Block  1. 

Buried  at  Lynchburg,  Va. 
Charles  Reed,  Co.  F,  died  Aug.  9,  1862. 

Buried  at  Seven  Pines,  Va. 

Z.  Blackman,  Co.  I,  died  1862.     Lot  129,  Section  B  (prob 
ably  John  H.  Blackman,  Co.  H). 

Buried  at  Alexandria,  Va. 


Co. 

NAME. 

Rank. 

Died. 

No.  of 
Grave. 

II 

John  Atkins    . 

Dec.      8,  1863, 

1,127 

II 

George  Bacon  . 

_ 

June     6,  1864, 

2,039 

E 

William  D.  Cata 

_ 

April  21,  1864, 

1,774 

F 

A 

I 
K 
E 

Andrew  J.  Frost 
James  Gettings 
John  Goulding 
Charles  Messenger 
Charles  H.  Puffer 

Corporal 

March  19,  1864, 
Jan.       2,  1863, 
March  22,  1864, 
Sept.    20,  1864, 
Feb.       7,  1863, 

1,542 
656 
1,583 
2,693 
717 

G 

John  G.  Taylor 

_ 

Dec.     30,  1862, 

644 

C 
F 

J.  F.  Thorndike 
John  F.  Vickery 

- 

Nov.    16,  1863, 
Aug.    ]2,  1864, 

1,058 
2,553 

Buried  in  Military  Asylum  Cemetery,  Washington,  D.C. 

M.  Dahlberg,  Co.  F,  died  Dec.  17,  1863. 
W.  K.  Porter,  Co.  G,  died  Oct.  24,  1863. 
J.  D.  Palmer,  Co.  A,  died  Jan.  17,  1864. 
George  Walker,  Co.  F,  died  Sept.  24,  1862. 

Buried  at  Arlington,  Va. 

W.  H.  Bartoll,  Co.  K,  died  July  1,  1864. 

C.  E.  Dunn,  Co.  C,  died  May  31, 1864. 

J.  Evans,  Co.  A,  died  June  7,  1864. 

C.  Johannis,  Co.  C,  died  June  10,  1864. 

J.  D.  Lane,  Co.  G,  died  May  18,  1864. 

J.  Merrow,  Co.  D,  died  May  25,  1864 

F.  B.  Potter,  Co.  D,  died  June  5,  1864. 

J.  G.  Smith,  Co.  G,  died  June  17,  1864. 

C.  Pickfire,  died  Dec.  19,  1864.     Harmony  Cemetery. 

Buried  at  Poplar-Grove  Cemetery. 
Charles  Reese,  Co.  F.     Division  E,  Section  E,  Grave  163. 


HOMEWARD  BOUND. — MUSTER   OUT. 


147 


1864. 


Buried  at  Salisbury,  N.  C. 
Luther  Hun,  Co. ,  died  Jan.  14,  1865. 

Buried  at  Augusta,  Ga. 

D.  Smith,  Co.  G,  died  April  1,  1864. 

Buried  in  National  Cemetery,  Richmond,  Fa. 

E.  T.  Allen,  Co.  K,  died  Dec.  5,  1863.     Pneumonia. 
J.  E.  Arnold,  Co.  E,  died  April  15,  1864. 

John  Barnes,  Co.  F,  died  Oct.  29,  1863.     Pneumonia. 

G.  W.  Bryant,  Co.  I,  died  Dec.  25,  1862.     Wounded  Dec. 

13,  1862. 

J.  C.  Burnes,  Co.  H,  died  Feb.  25,  1864. 
William  F.  Dean,  Co.  I,  died  Dec.  27,  1863.     Scorbutus. 
R.  Gold  (should  be  Reuben  Gould),  Co.  I,  died  Feb.  2,  1864. 
T.  M.  Gorfrey,  Co.  F,  died  Jan.  23,  1864. 
A.  H.  Kenball  (should  be  Asa  H.  Kimball),  Co.  I,  died  March 

25,  1864. 

R.  Leroy,  Co.  B,  died  Feb.  26,  1864. 
P.  J.  Mahoney,  Co.  D.     Shot  by  guard. 
T.  Miller,  Co.  I,  died  Feb.  22,  1864.     Grave  195,  Section  C, 

Division  1. 

H.  Moss,  Co.  F,  died  March  13,  1864. 
C.  Prill,  Co.  E,  died  March  23,  1864. 
S.  B.  Young,  Co.  A,  died  Feb.  27,  1864. 

Buried  in  National  Cemetery,  Fredericksburg,  Va. 


Co. 

NAME. 

Died. 

Div. 

Sect. 

Grave 

Removed  from  — 

F  . 

B.  F.  Bennett     . 

May  7,1864, 

C   . 

A   . 

258 

Wilderness. 

D   . 

John  D.  Harvey, 

17,  1864, 

A   . 

A  . 

83 

Woollen-fact'y  lot, 
Fredericksburg. 

G    . 

R.  M.  Hanes 

7,  1864, 

C   . 

A  . 

260 

Wilderness. 

H  . 

John  Mundall     . 

5,  1863, 

B   . 

D   . 

99 

Aldridge  Farm, 

G   . 

J.  A.  Tolman     . 

13,  1864, 

A  . 

C   . 

324 

Spottsylvania  Co. 
LaureJ  Hill. 

ROSTER  OF  THE  OFFICERS, 


FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 

Organized  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Volunteers  April  21-23,  1861; 
chosen  colonel  May  4,  1861;  mustered  into  the  United-States  service 
June  26,  1861;  mortally  wounded,  at  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run, 
Aug.  30,  1862,  and  died  upon  the  field. 

JAMES  L.   BATES. 

Enlisted  April  25,  1861,  in  Company  H;  elected  captain  April  29; 
mustered  into  United-States  service  June  26,  1861;  provost-marshal 
July  7,  1862  ;  promoted  major  Thirty-third  Massachusetts  Aug.  5, 
1862;  colon«l  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Sept.  9,  1862;  joined  regiment 
Sept.  21,  1862  ;  wounded  in  neck  July  1, 1863,  at  Gettysburg;  detailed 
on  recruiting  service  in  Massachusetts  July  21,  1863;  returned  March 
28,  1864.  Commanded  second  brigade  from  May  8,  1864,  to  June 
25,  1864;  mustered  out  with  the  regiment  July  8,  1864. 

TIMOTHY  M.   BRYAX,  Jux. 

Enlisted  April,  1861;  elected  lieutenant-colonel  May  11,  1861; 
mustered  June  26,  1861;  resigned  Oct.  7,  1862;  commissioned  colonel 
of  the  Eighteenth  Pennsylvania  Cavalry. 

DAVID   ALLEX,  JUN. 

Enlisted  in  Company  K,  April  19,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861, 
as  captain;  wounded  at  Antietam  and  Fredericksburg;  promoted  to 
lieutenant-colonel  Oct.  8,  1862;  appointed  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  J.  C. 
Robinson,  second  division,  First  Corps,  as  division  inspector,  July  13, 
1863;  killed  May  5,  1864,  while  on  staff  duty. 


150  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

BENJAMIN  F.   COOK. 

Enlisted  as  private,  Company  K,  April  19,  1861;  elected  second 
lieutenant;  mustered  as  first  lieutenant  June  26,  1861;  captain  Com 
pany  E,  May  2,  1862;  provost-marshal  second  division,  First  Corps, 
Jan.  to  Sept.,  1863;  major  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Volunteers  July 
23,  1863;  lieutenant-colonel  May  6, 1864;  in  command  of  regimental 
skirmish-line  Sept.  17,  1862.  Commanding  regiment  Sept.  17  to  22, 
1862;  Sept.  11  to  Dec.  19,  1863;  Feb.  20  to  March  27,  1864;  May  8 
to  June  25,  1864;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

ELISIIA  M.   BURBANK. 

Enlisted  April,  1861;  elected  major  May  9,  1861;  mustered  June 
26,  1861;  died  Nov.  29,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam,  Sept. 
17,  1862. 
DANIEL   G.    HANDY. 

Enlisted  June  21,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  C,  June  26, 
1861 ;  promoted  major  Nov.  30,  1862;  resigned  July  22,  1863- 

EDWARD   P.    REED. 

Enlisted  April  30,  1861,  in  Company  G;  mustered  as  first  lieuten 
ant  June  26,  1861;  promoted  captain  June  25,  1862;  major  May  6, 
1864;  wounded  at  Antietam  and  Fredericks  burg;  on  detached  ser 
vice  on  account  of  wounds  from  July  26,  1863;  mustered  out  with 
regiment. 

JEDEDIAH   H.   BAXTER. 

Mustered  as  surgeon  Twelfth  Massachusetts  June  26,  1861,  dis 
charged  April  17,  1862;  surgeon  United- States  Volunteers  April  4, 
1862;  brigade  surgeon  April  17,  1862;  brevet  lieutenant-colonel  March 
30,  1865,  "for  meritorious  and  faithful  service  in  the  recruitment  of 
the  armies  of  the  United  States;  "  brevet  colonel  March  13, 1865,  "  for 
faithful  and  meritorious  service  during  the  war;  "  lieutenant-colonel 
and  assistant  medical  purveyor  U.S.A.,  July  20,  1867;  brevet  colonel 
U.S  A.  July  20,  1867,  "for  faithful  and  meritorious  service  during 
the  war;  "  lieutenant-colonel  U.S.A.,  chief  medical  purveyor,  March 
12,  1872;  colonel  and  chief  medical  purveyor  U.S.A.  June  23,  1874. 

JOHN  McLEAN   HAYWARD. 

Mustered  as  assistant  surgeon  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Volunteers 
June  26,  1861;  surgeon  April  29,  1862;  captured  and  paroled,  War- 
renton,  Va.,  November,  1862;  discharged  April  22,  1863;  major 
United-States  Volunteers,  "for  faithful  and  meritorious  services 
during  the  war,  to  date  from  March  13,  1865."  (General  Order  148, 
Washington,  Oct.  14,  1865.) 

WILLIAM   H.   W.   HINDS. 

Mustered  as  assistant  surgeon  Seventeenth  Massachusetts  Aug.  21, 
1861;  promoted  to  surgeon  Twelfth  Massachusetts  May  26,  1863; 
mustered  out  July  8,  1864,  with  regiment. 


ROSTER   OF  THE   OFFICERS.  151 

ALBERT   A.   KENDALL. 

Mustered  as  assistant  surgeon  April  29,  1862;  killed  at  Antietam 
Sept.  17,  1862,  while  caring  for  the  wounded  on  the  battle-field. 

JOHN  ii.  MCGREGOR. 

Mustered  as  assistant  surgeon  Aug.  13,  1862;  resigned  Sept.  2, 1863. 

CHARLES   A.    WHEELER. 

Enlisted  Nov.  7,  1861,  in  Company  B,  Fifteenth  Massachusetts; 
served  in  the  ranks  until  May  25,  1862;  then  detailed  to  hospital  de 
partment  of  regiment;  served  there  until  after  battle  of  Antietam, 
when  he  was  detailed  as  acting  hospital  steward  of  field  hospital  at 
Smoketown,  Md.;  Nov.  29,  1862,  ordered  to  report  to  surgeon-general 
of  Massachusetts  for  examination  before  medical  board;  commis 
sioned  assistant  surgeon  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Dec.  17,  1862;  de 
tailed  for  duty  in  Third  Regular  battery,  Eighty-third  New- York 
Volunteers,  and  Third  Maryland;  wounded  May  6,  1864,  in  battle  of 
Wilderness;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

IRA  M.   PERRY. 

Commissioned  assistant  surgeon  Dec.  1,  1862;  declined. 

EDWARD  L.    CLARK. 

Mustered  as  chaplain  June  26,  1861;  resigned  June  16,  1862. 

ISRAEL  WASHBURN. 

Mustered  as  chaplain  Sept.  1,  1862;  fought  in  the  ranks  at  An 
tietam;  resigned  May  26,  1863. 

RICHARD   H.   KIMBALL. 

Enlisted  April  20, 1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  A,  June  26, 
1861;  wounded  at  Cedar  Mountain,  Aug.  9,  1862;  killed  at  second 
Bull  Run,  Aug.  30,  1862. 

GEORGE  W.    MURCH. 

Enlisted  April,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  B,  June  26, 
1861;  resigned  July  27,  1862. 

NATHANIEL  B.   SHURTLEFF,  JUN. 

Enlisted  April  22,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  D,  June  26, 
1861;  killed  at  Cedar  Mountain,  Aug.  9,  1862. 

EDWARD  C.    SALTMARSH. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  E,  June  26, 
1861;  resigned  May  1,  1862,  to  receive  commission  in  United-States 
marine  service. 

ALEXANDER  HIGHBORN. 

Enlisted  April,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  F,  June  26, 
1861;  resigned  May  13,  1862. 


152  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

IRA  BLANCHARD. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  G,  June 
26,  1861;  resigned  June  24,  1862. 

JOHN   RIPLEY. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861;  mustered  as  captain  Company  I,  June 
26,  1861;  slightly  wounded  at  Bull  Run,  Aug.  30,  1862;  severely 
wounded  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862;  mortally  wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  Dec.  13,  1862;  died  Dec.  25,  1862. 

ALPHEUS  K.   HARMON. 

Enlisted  April  27,  1861,  in  Company  F;  mustered  as  first  lieu 
tenant  June  26,  1861;  captain  May  10,  1862;  wounded  at  Cedar 
Mountain  Aug.  9,  1862;  wounded  at  second  Bull  Run  Aug.  30, 
1862;  under  medical  treatment  until  June  3,  1863;  then  ordered  on 
duty  at  Boston  provost-marshal's  department;  assigned  to  Company 
E;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

CHARLES   T.   PACKARD. 

Enlisted  in  April,  1861;  elected  second  lieutenant  Company  B; 
mustered  June  26, 1861;  promoted  to  captain  Aug  20,  1862;  wounded 
at  Antietam  and  Fredericksburg;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

J.   OTIS  WILLIAMS. 

Enlisted  in  April,  1861,  in  Company  D;  mustered  June  26,  1861, 
as  first  lieutenant;  promoted  to  captain  Oct.  8,  1862;  wounded  at 
Antietam  Sept.  17,  1862,  and  at  Gettysburg  July  1,  1863;  dis 
charged  on  account  of  wounds  June  11,  1864. 

CHARLES   W.   HASTINGS. 

Enlisted  April  25,  1861,  in  Company  II;  mustered  as  first  lieu 
tenant  June  26,  1861;  promoted  captain  Aug.  10,  1862;  commanded 
regiment  from  July  20  to  Sept.  11,  1863,  and  from  Dec.  6,  1863,  to 
Feb.  20,  1864,  excepting  ten  days'  leave  of  absence;  prisoner  May  24, 
1864. 

ERASTUS  L.   CLARK. 

Enlisted  June  10,  1861,  in  Company  E;  mustered  as  first  sergeant 
June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Dec.  19,  1861,  and  to 
captain  Sept.  19, 1862;  wounded  at  Fredericksburg  Dec.  13,  1862,  and 
at  Gettysburg  July  1,  1863,  while  commanding  Company  A;  trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  Feb.  3,  1864. 

EDWIN   HAZEL. 

Enlisted  in  Company  K,  April  19,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861, 
as  first  sergeant;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  May  3,  1862;  first 
lieutenant  Sept.  18,  1862;  captain  Sept.  1,  1862;  commanded  regi 
ment  Jan.  6-19,  1864;  wounded  at  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  and 
Gettysburg;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 


ROSTER   OF  THE   OFFICERS.  153 

FRANCIS  B.   PRATT. 

Enlisted  April  25,  1861,  in  Company  H;  chosen  second  lieutenant 
April  29,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861;  first  lieutenant  July  7, 
1862;  detailed  acting  adjutant  September,  1862;  captain  Nov.  30, 
1862;  wounded  Dec.  13,  1862,  being  shot  through  shoulder,  losing 
shoulder-blade;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

ANDREW  J.   GAREY. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861,  in  Company  H;  second  lieutenant  Oct.  3, 
1862;  first  lieutenant  Aug.  11,  1862;  captain  Dec.  21,  1862;  wounded 
May  8,  1864;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

JOHN   S.   STODDARD. 

Enlisted  April  27,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861,  as  private;  pro 
moted  second  lieutenant  May  13,  1862;  first  lieutenant  Dec.  14,  1862; 
captain  July  23,  1862;  wounded  at  Antietam;  taken  prisoner  at 
Gettysburg,  and  escaped  from  the  enemy;  killed  at  Spottsylvania, 
Va.,  May  10,  1864. 

CHARLES  C.   WEHRUM. 

Enlisted  April  23,  1861,  in  Company  E;  corporal;  sergeant  Jan. 
2,  1862;  second  lieutenant  Aug.  21,  1862;  first  lieutenant  Nov.  30, 
1862;  captain  Feb.  4,  1864;  appointed  adjutant  April  1,  1863; 
served  as  adjutant  until  mustered  out  July  8,  1864;  acting  assistant 
adjutant- general  second  brigade  May  8  to  June  25,  1864;  severely 
wounded  at  Antietam  and  at  Gettysburg. 

MOSES  N.   ARNOLD. 

Enlisted  May  19,  1861,  in  Company  G;  promoted  from  sergeant- 
major  to  second  lieutenant  Sept.  1,  1862;  first  lieutenant  July  2, 
1863;  captain  May  6,  1864;  aide-de-camp  on  Gen.  Baxter's  staff 
since  July  8,  1863;  wounded  at  Antietam;  mustered  out  July  8, 
1864. 

JONATHAN  B.   WHITMAN. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861;  first  sergeant  Company  I,  June  26,  1861; 
second  lieutenant  June  24,  1862;  detached  on  recruiting  service; 
first  lieutenant  March  9,  1863;  captain  Company  G,  May  11,  1864; 
mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

THOMAS  P.   HAVILAND. 

Appointed  adjutant  June  8,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861;  taken 
prisoner  at  Bull  Run,  Aug.  30,  1862;  resigned  March  8,  1863. 

DAVID   WOOD. 

Mustered  as  first  lieutenant  and  quartermaster  June  26,  1861 ;  re 
signed  May  16,  1862. 


154  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

WILLIAM   G.   WHITE. 

Enlisted  in  April,  1861,  in  Company  E;  mustered  as  first  lieuten 
ant  of  Company  A,  June  26,  1861;  died  of  wounds  received  at 
Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

FREDERICK  R.    SHATTUCK. 

Mustered  as  first  lieutenant  in  Company  B,  June  26,  1861;  de 
tached  on  Signal  Corps  Aug.  11,  1861;  resigned  July  6,  1862. 

EDWARD   T.    PEARCE. 

Mustered  as  first  lieutenant  of  Company  C,  June  26,  1861;  de 
tached  as  acting  assistant  commissary  of  subsistence  on  Gen.  Hamil 
ton's  staff  Aug.  1,  1861;  on  provost  duty  in  Boston  since  April  11, 
1864;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

GEORGE   H.   DAVIS. 

Mustered  as  first  lieutenant  June  26,  1861;  resigned  Dec.  18,  1861. 

CHESTER   CLARK. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861;  mustered  as  first  lieutenant  Company  I, 
June  26,  1861;  resigned  June  23,  1862. 

SAMUEL   APPLETON. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861,  in  Company  E;  mustered  as  second  lieu 
tenant  June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  Dec.  19,  1861; 
detached  to  serve  on  Gen.  Abercrombie's  staff  Sept  19,  1861;  dis 
charged  by  special  order  from  war  department  Oct.  10,  1863. 

LORING  W.   MUZZEY. 

Quartermaster-sergeant  May  23,  1861;  commissioned  regimental 
quartermaster  May  17,  1862 ;  captain  and  commissary  of  subsistence 
United-States  Volunteers  March  30,  1864;  brevet  major  United-States 
Volunteers,  "for  efficient  and  meritorious  services,"  July  8,  1865; 
resigned  and  honorably  discharged  in  November,  1865. 

GILMAN   SAUNDERS. 

Enlisted  April  19,  1861,  in  Company  K;  mustered  as  second  lieu 
tenant  June  26,  1861;  promoted  first  lieutenant  May  2,  1862;  dis 
charged  for  disability  Sept  10,  1862. 

ARTHUR  DEIION. 

Joined  the  regiment  Jan.  16,  1862,  as  second  lieutenant;  promoted 
May  13,  1862,  to  first  lieutenant;  killed  at  Fredericksburg,  Dec.  13, 
1862,  while  serving  on  Gen.  Meade's  staff. 

WARREN   THOMPSON. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861;  second  lieutenant  Company  I,  June  26, 
1861;  on  detached  service  in  ordnance  department  at  Harper's  Ferry; 
prisoner  at  Col.  Miles's  surrender  September,  1862;  first  lieutenant 
June  24,  1862;  prisoner  at  Gettysburg  July  1,  1863;  resigned. 


ROSTER   OF  THE   OFFICERS.  155 

LYSANDER  F.   GUSHING. 

Enlisted  in  April,  1861,  in  Company  G;  mustered  as  second  lieu 
tenant  June  26,1861;  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  June  25,  1862; 
killed  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

FRANCIS   THOMAS. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861,  in  Company  H;  mustered  June  26,  1861; 
transferred  to  non-commissioned  staff;  commissioned  second  lieu 
tenant  Sept.  9,  1862;  first  lieutenant  Sept.  11,  1862;  assigned  to 
Company  A;  killed  in  action  July  1,  1863,  at  Gettysburg;  brigade 
inspector,  second  brigade,  second  division,  First  Corps. 

CHARLES   G.   RUSSELL. 

Enlisted  in  Company  D,  April,  1861;  mustered  as  sergeant-major 
June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Sept.  6,  1861;  first 
lieutenant  Sept.  18,  1862;  killed  July  1,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  Penn. 

JOHN   H.   RUSSELL. 

Enlisted  April  23,  1861,  in  Company  B  ;  mustered  as  first  sergeant 
June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  July  8,  1862;  first 
lieutenant  Oct.  8,  1862;  taken  prisoner  at  Gettysburg,  Penn.,  July 
1,  1863;  mustered  out  Jan.  3,  1865. 

CALVIN  WALKER. 

Enlisted  in  Company  K  in  April,  1861;  mustered  as  sergeant 
June  26,  1861;  promoted  second  lieutenant  Aug.  11,  1862;  first 
lieutenant  Sept.  1,  1862;  discharged  for  disability  July  30,  1863; 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Dec.  13,  1862. 

GEORGE   H.   FRENCH. 

Enlisted  as  private  in  Company  B,  April  23,  1861;  mustered  as 
private  June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Sept.  11, 
1862;  first  lieutenant  Dec.  21,  1862;  wounded  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17, 
1862,  also  at  Gettysburg,  July  1,  1863,  losing  the  left  arm;  resigned 
Oct.  28,  1863;  appointed  lieutenant  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  October, 
1863;  brevet  captain  and  major,  March  13,  1865,  to  date  from  July  1, 
1863;  mustered  out  in  March,  1866. 

WILLIAM  ROBINSON. 

Enlisted  in  Company  C  in  April,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861; 
promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Dec.  14,  1862;  first  lieutenant  July  2, 
1863;  wounded  at  Antietam;  died  of  wounds  received  at  Wilderness 
May  14,  1864. 
JAMES   A.    ALLEN. 

Enlisted  in  Company  F  April  27,  1861;  mustered  as  sergeant  June 
26,  1861;  sergeant-major  Jan.  26,  1862;  promoted  second  lieutenant 
Dec.  21,  1862;  first  lieutenant  July  23,  1863;  wounded  May  8,  1864; 
mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 


156  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

ROYAL  M.   MASON. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861,  in  Company  I;  mustered  as  corporal  June 
26,  1861;  promoted  to  sergeant  1862;  commanding  company  at  An- 
tietam,  Sept.  17,  1862;  second  lieutenant  Oct.  8,  1862;  first  lieu 
tenant  July  24,  1863;  brevetted  captain;  provost-marshal  second 
division,  First  Corps,  and  third  division,  Fifth  Corps. 

GEORGE  E.   MUZZEY. 

Mustered  as  quartermaster-sergeant  June  6,  1862;  commissioned 
second  lieutenant  Oct.  9,  1862,  and  appointed  acting  quartermaster; 
promoted  first  lieutenant  July  31,  1862;  appointed  regimental  quarter 
master  April  30.  1864;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

DAVID  B.  BURRILL. 

Enlisted  in  Company  H,  April  29,  1861;  mustered  June  26, 
1861;  promoted  to  sergeant  May  10,  1862;  second  lieutenant  Nov. 
30,  1862;  first  lieutenant  Oct.  11,  1863;  killed  May  25,  1864,  at 
North  Anna  River,  Va. 

EDWARD  LEWIS. 

Enlisted  in  Company  H,  April  29, 1861 ;  mustered  as  corporal  June 
26,  1861;  sergeant  Sept.  8,  1862;  sergeant-major  May  10,  1863;  first 
lieutenant  Oct.  28,  1863;  taken  prisoner  at  Gettysburg,  July  1,  1863; 
mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

CORNELIUS  BACHELDER. 

Enlisted  in  Company  D  in  April,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861; 
promoted  second  lieutenant  March  9,  1863;  first  lieutenant  Feb.  4, 
1864;  wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  1,  1863;  mustered  out  July  8, 
1864. 

FRANK  A.   LANCASTER. 

Private  Company  I,  June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  corporal;  prisoner 
at  Chancellorsville ;  returned  for  services  rendered  in  rescuing  wounded 
from  burning  woods ;  sergeant-major;  first  lieutenant  May  15,  1864; 
came  home  in  command  of  company;  mustered  out  July  8,  1864. 

CHRISTOPHER  T.   BAILEY. 

Enlisted  April  29,  1861,  in  Company  H;  mustered  June  26,  1861; 
discharged  for  disability  June  20,  1862;  appointed  first  lieutenant 
May  26,  1864;  transferred  to  Thirty-ninth  Massachusetts  as  first 
sergeant. 

ANDREW    A.    CHIPMAN. 

Enlisted  in  April,  1861,  in  Company  D;  re-enlisted  Jan.  6,  1864, 
and  promoted  to  first  sergeant;  first  lieutenant  May  26,  1864;  trans 
ferred  as  first  sergeant  to  Thirty-ninth  Massachusetts. 


ROSTER    OF   THE   OFFICERS.  157 

JAMES  G.    SMITH. 

Enlisted  in  Company  G  in  April,  1861;  mustered  June  26,  1861; 
re-enlisted  Feb.  20,  1864,  and  promoted  to  first  sergeant;  first  lieu 
tenant  May  26,  1864;  died  of  wounds  received  June  4,  1864. 

GEORGE   W.   ORNE. 

Enlisted  in  Company  A,  April  20,  1861;  mustered  as  second  lieu 
tenant  June  26,  1861;  died  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam,  Sept. 
17,  1862. 

HARLAN  P.  BENNETT. 

Enlisted  in  Company  C  in  April,  1861;  mustered  as  second  lieu 
tenant  June  26,  1861;  discharged  Oct.  2,  1862,  on  account  of  dis 
ability. 

GEORGE   B.    DRAKE. 

Mustered  as  second  lieutenant,  Company  D,  June  26,  1861;  second 
lieutenant,  Sixth  United-States  Infantry,  Aug.  26,  1861;  brevet 
colonel  United- States  Volunteers,  March  13,  1865. 

HIRAM  W.   COPELAND. 

Enlisted  in  Company  F;  mustered  as  second  lieutenant  June  26, 
1861;  resigned  Jan.  8,  1862. 

MARCUS  M.   LOUD. 

Enlisted  in  Company  G  in  April,  1861;  mustered  as  private  June 
26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  June  25,  1862;  resigned 
Dec.  30,  1862. 

JAMES   B.    SAMPSON. 

Enlisted  in  Company  F  in  April,  1861;  mustered  as  private  June 
26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Sept.  18,  1862;  taken  pris 
oner  at  Gettysburg  July  1,  1863,  and  absent  in  hands  of  the  enemy 
when  the  regiment  was  mustered  out. 

EDWARD  J.   KIDDER. 

Enlisted  in  Company  A  as  private,  and  mustered  July  9,  1861; 
wounded  at  Antietam ;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Sept.  18,  1862 ; 
killed  at  Spottsylvania,  Va.,  May  10,  1864. 

GEORGE   E.   WHITMAN. 

Enlisted  in  April,  1861,  in  Company  A,  as  private;  mustered 
June  26,  1861;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Sept.  9,  1862;  dis 
charged  April  16,  1864,  for  disability. 


APPENDIX. 


FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 

ORGANIZER    AND    FIRST    COLONEL    OF    THE    TWELFTH    MASS.    VOLS. 

BORN  in  Portsmouth,  N.H.,  July  23,  1813.  Son  of  Hon.  Daniel  and 
Grace  (Fletcher)  Webster.  Fitted  for  college  at  the  Boston  Latin 
School,  and  graduated  from  Harvard  in  the  class  of  1833.  Studied 
law  with  Mr.  Walcott  in  Hopkinton,  Mass.,  commencing  to  practise  in 
1836.  Near  the  close  of  this  year  he  married  and  removed  to  Detroit, 
Mich.  In  1837  he  went  to  Peru,  111.,  remaining  there  till  1840,  when  he 
was  appointed  under  Secretary  of  State  in  Washington,  D.C.,  his  father 
then  being  at  the  head  of  the  State  Department.  Sailed  for  China  in 
1843  with  the  Hon.  Caleb  Gushing,  where  he  served  nearly  two  years  as 
Secretary  of  Legation.  Jan.  20,  1845,  he  became  Surveyor  of  the  Port 
of  Boston.  In  1861  he  resigned,  and  organized  the  "  Webster  Regi 
ment."  His  subsequent  history  is  the  history  of  that  organization. 

On  Saturday,  Aug.  30,  1862,  at  the  battle  of  Manassas,  or  Second  Bull 
Run,  while  gallantly  leading  his  regiment,  Col.  Webster  fell,  wounded 
in  the  arm  and  chest,  a  few  moments  before  we  retired.  He  was  struck 
while  waving  his  sword,  and  cheering  on  his  men.  The  adjutant  of  the 
regiment  (assisted  by  two  of  the  "tenth  company"1)  removed  him  a 
short  distance  to  the  rear,  and  remained  with  him  until  taken  prisoner. 
At  that  time  the  colonel  was  still  alive,  although  sinking  rapidly;  suffer 
ing  greatly,  but  uttering  no  word  of  complaint;  calm,  while  recognizing 
the  fact  that  he  was  dying ;  and,  to  the  last,  considerate  for  the  welfare  and 
safety  of  his  friends.  The  existence  of  positive  orders  forbidding  the  re 
moval  from  the  field  of  any  Union  soldier  rendered  fruitless  all  persua 
sion  and  pleading  to  that  end,  and  he  was  left  alone  to  die.  And  this  is 
really  all  we  know  of  the  last  moments  of  Col.  Webster ;  although  some 

1  So  Capt.  Williams  always  said. 


160 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 


letters  on  the  subject  have  been  received,  among  which  is  the  following 
from  an  ex-Confederate  officer  :  — 

"  I  received  your  letter  of  recent  date,  requesting  me  to  give  you  any  facts 
or  incidents  I  may  remember  connected  with  the  death  of  Col.  Fletcher 
Webster  of  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Regiment,  who  died  on  the  field 
from  wounds  received  at  the  second  battle  of  Manassas,  Aug.  30,  1862. 

"  It  is  out  of  my  power  to  furnish  you  with  any  accurate  information  as  to 
his  death,  as  I  was  only  with  him  for  a  short  time  just  after  he  was  wounded; 
and  he  was  still  alive  when  I  left  him,  although  in  a  dying  condition.  This 
was  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  some  time  before  the  fighting 
ceased.  He  was  probably  wounded  when  the  battery  his  brigade  supported 
was  taken,  as  I  found  him  lying  on- the  ground  within  a  short  distance  of 
the  captured  guns;  and  supposed,  therefore,  from  his  position,  that  he  fell 
when  our  troops  made  the  final  assault  upon  your  lines. 

"  He  was  suffering  great  pain,  and  had  but  little  to  say:  but  I  remember 
that  he  asked  me  for  some  water;  and,  when  I  took  off  my  canteen  and  held 
it  to  his  lips,  he  drank  all  the  water  it  contained,  and  asked  for  more.  I 
also  remember  that  the  officer  who  remained  with  him  behaved  with  great 
manliness,  and  did  every  thing  he  possibly  could,  under  the  circumstances, 
for  the  comfort  and  relief  of  Col.  Webster,  regardless  of  his  own  personal 
safety.  I  have  never  known  his  name  until  your  letter  was  received  in 
forming  me  that  he  was  T.  P.  Haviland,  adjutant  of  your  regiment.  I  did 
not  take  him  prisoner,  as  stated  in  your  letter,  or  in  any  way  prevent  his 
attentions  to  the  wounded  man.  When  I  left  him,  an  officer  and  three  or 
four  men  from  some  other  regiment  came  up ;  but  whether  he  was  taken  to 
the  rear  by  them  I  cannot  state. 

'<  On  the  night  of  the  30th,  private  Brough  of  Company  G,  Eleventh  Vir 
ginia  Regiment,  came  into  camp  with  a  haversack  found  on  the  field,  which 
evidently  belonged  to  Col.  Webster,  as  some  letters  and  other  personal 
effects  were  found  in  it.  I  requested  him  to  give  me  the  letters,  as  I  de 
sired  to  return  them  to  Mrs.  Webster  with  his  field-glass,  which  I  had.  Un 
fortunately,  however,  these  letters  were  captured  two  days  afterward  in  my 
valise  at  Leesburg;  and  the  glass  was  stolen  from  a  gentleman  to  whom  I 
sent  it  for  safe  keeping  until  it  could  be  returned,  otherwise  I  should  have 
sent  it  to  Mrs.  Webster  at  the  first  opportunity. 

"  Yours,  very  truly, 

"WM.  H.  BLACKFOKD." 

In  March,  1878,  the  widow  of  Col.  Webster  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Louis  T.  Jones  of  Fort  Valley,  Ga.,  in  which  the  writer  offered  to  send 
her  a  ring  which  was  upon  the  finger  of  the  colonel  when  wounded.  The 
ring,  a  valued  souvenir  in  the  Webster  family,  was  soon  after  received. 
The  facts  connected  with  its  recovery  are  deeply  interesting,  and  furnish 
evidence  of  what  has  always  been  well  known  to  all  ex- Union  soldiers; 
viz.,  that  there  were  men  in  the  Confederate  ranks  possessed  of  the  very 
finest  qualities.  Briefly  summarized,  the  story,  as  gained  from  the 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT.  161 

original  letter,  and  two  others  recently  received,  is  as  follows:  On  the 
morning  after  the  battle,  George  T.  Jones,  father  of  Louis  T.,  then 
quartermaster  of  Garnett's  brigade  (formerly  commanded  by  Pickett  and 
afterward  by  Hun  ton),  was  passing  through  the  ranks  of  the  Nineteenth 
Virginia  Regiment.  A  soldier  of  Capt.  Ellis's  company  stepped  up  to 
him,  and,  handing  him  the  ring,  asked  him  to  keep  it  for  him.  He  then 
stated  to  Quartermaster  Jones,  in  a  very  earnest  way,  as  though  deeply 
moved,  that  he  had  found  upon  the  field  a  Federal  officer,  mortally 
wounded;  that  he  had  done  for  the  comfort  of  the  sufferer  all  that  time 
and  opportunity  allowed;  he  had  given  him  a  canteen  of  water,  bathed 
his  wounds,  and  covered  him  with  a  rubber  blanket;  and,  in  return  for 
his  kindness,  the  officer  had  thanked  him,  and  given  him  this  ring.  The 
soldier  then  gave  the  quartermaster  a  description  of  the  place  where  the 
wounded  man  was  lying,  and  asked  him  to  go  there  and  do  what  he  could 
for  his  aid.  Quartermaster  Jones  was  then  under  orders  to  take  his 
wagon-train  to  Gordonsville  for  supplies,  and  on  the  way  searched  for 
and  found  the  Federal  officer  in  question:  but  he  was  beyond  all  human 
help;  the  spirit  had  taken  its  flight;  and  only  the  body,  cold  and  motion 
less,  lay  there.  On  a  bush  near  by  was  a  little  slip  of  paper,  on  which 
was  written,  "  Col.  Fletcher  Webster,  Twelfth  Massachusetts  Regi 
ment."  The  Confederate  officer  saw  no  one  upon  the  battle-field,  of 
either  army;  and  he  hurried  on  to  rejoin  his  train.  He  never  again  saw 
the  soldier  who  had  given  him  the  ring;  for  seventeen  days  afterward,  at 
the  battle  of  Antietam,  the  man  was  struck  down  by  a  Federal  bullet,  — 
a  fate  from  which  his  antagonists  would  gladly  have  spared  him  had  they 
known  of  his  kind  acts,  and  had  they  been  able  to  have  done  so.  Soon 
after  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  a  relative  of  the  soldier  came  to 
Quartermaster  Jones,  and  claimed  the  ring.  Jones  was  intending  to 
send  it  to  the  soldier's  widow,  and  was  now  puzzled  as  to  what  to  do. 
The  matter  was  left  to  Capt.  Ellis,  who  decided  in  favor  of  the  relative. 
Quartermaster  Jones  then  bought  it  of  the  claimant,  and  afterward  gave 
it  to  his  son,  Louis  T.  Jones,  then  a  little  boy,  who  has  now  given  it  to 
Mrs.  Webster,  as  stated  above.  Capt.  Ellis  was  killed  at  Gettysburg. 
The  ring  is  an  old-style  bloodstone  seal-ring.  On  it  is  the  letter  W., 
above  which  is  a  horse's  head. 

After  the  fight  was  over,  Lieut.  Arthur  Dehon  obtained  permission  to 
go  inside  the  enemy's  lines  to  search  for  Webster's  body;  though  he  was 
told  that  the  Confederates  intended  to  hold  every  one  found  upon  the  field. 
He  was  detained:  but  Dr.  McFarland,  medical  director  of  Pope's  army, 
told  Dr.  Guild,  Gen.  Lee's  medical  director,  of  the  circumstances;  and 
the  latter  very  kindly  released  Dehon,  and  gave  him  a  pass.  He  found 
the  body  after  a  long  search,  strapped  it  upon  the  back  of  his  horse,  and, 
though  beset  with  many  difficulties,  reached  the  Union  lines.  Here  an 
ambulance  was  obtained,  and  the  body  conveyed  to  Alexandria,  where  it 


162  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

was  embalmed.  From  Washington  it  was  accompanied  to  Boston  by 
Mr.  George  J.  Abbott,  of  the  State  Department,  and  lay  in  state  in 
Faneuil  Hall  from  eleven  A.M.  of  Sept.  8  to  the  same  hour  the  next  day, 
guarded  by  the  Independent  Corps  of  Cadets,  and  visited  by  thousands. 

In  the  days  of  the  American  Revolution,  at  the  battle  of  Bennington, 
Col.  Eben  Webster,  the  grandfather  of  Fletcher,  commanded  a  regi 
ment.  The  flag  borne  in  that  fight  had  been  preserved,  and  its  folds 
were  now  upon  the  coffin  of  the  grandson. 

The  body  was  dressed  in  a  new  uniform  throughout,  and  reposed  in 
an  elegant  rosewood  casket,  lined  with  white  satin.  The  top  being  of 
glass,  a  view  of  nearly  the  whole  body  was  had.  The  process  of  em 
balming  had  preserved  the  freshness  of  life  and  the  swarthiness  of  com 
plexion  which  exposure  to  a  Southern  sun  had  given  to  the  face.  As 
there  was  no  wasting  sickness,  there  was  but  a  slight  change  from  the 
features  as  they  were  in  life.  In  this  sleep  of  death  there  was  a  closer 
resemblance  to  the  noble  father  than  was  ever  noticeable  while  the  son 
was  living.  The  massive  forehead  and  heavy  eyebrows  were  only  needed 
to  complete  the  resemblance.  The  inscription  on  the  casket  read 
thus :  — 

COLONEL   FLETCHER  WEBSTER, 

TWELFTH  MASS.    VOLS. 

Born  in  Portsmouth,  N.H.,  23d  July,  1813. 

Fell  at  the  head  of  his  regiment  in 

the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Ya., 

30th  August,  1862. 

The  gentlemen  who  served  as  marshals  at  the  reception  of  the  Hon. 
Daniel  Webster  in  July,  1852,  and  who  acted  in  the  same  capacity  on 
the  occasion  of  his  obsequies,  assembled  at  the  armory  of  the  Ancient 
and  Honorable  Artillery  at  half-past  ten  in  the  forenoon,  and  partici 
pated  in  the  exercises  attending  the  funeral  of  Col.  Webster.  At 
11.20  A.M.,  Sept.  9,  the  long  funeral  procession  l  moved  over  the  follow- 

1  Detachment  of  Police. 

First  Battalion  of  Cavalry,  Major  Wilder  commanding,  comprising  the  Boston  Light  Dra 
goons,  seventy-five  men,  Capt.  Stevens;  and  the  National  Lancers,  eighty -three 

men,  under  Capt.  Slade.    Chelsea  Brass  Band,  mounted. 
Independent  Corps  of  Cadets,  forty  men,  under  Major  John  Jeffries,  jun.    Boston  Brigade 

Band. 

Hearse  drawn  by  four  black  horses.    Cap,  sword,  and  belt  of  deceased  lying  upon  the 
coffin.    Pall  bearers  :  Four  colonels,  one  lieutenant-colonel,  and  one  major  from 

other  Massachusetts  regiments. 

Col.  Webster's  horse,  led  by  his  groom. 

Chief  Marshal,  Leverett  Saltonstall.    Aids  :  B.  F.  Edmands,  F.  W.  Lincoln,  W.  C.  Endi- 

cott,  and  David  Sears,  jun. 

Delegation  of  nine  officers  and  men  of  the  regiment.     Germania  Band. 
Carriage  containing  the  officiating  clergyman,  the  Rev.  Chandler  Robbing. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT.  163 

ing  route  :  through  Merchants  Row,  State,  Court,  Tremont,  Beacon, 
Park,  Tremont,  Boylston,  Washington,  and  Summer  Streets,  to  the 
sto.ne  church  at  Church  Green.  At  12.20  P.M.  the  church  was  reached, 
where,  after  a  dirge  upon  the  organ  and  a  vocal  selection  by  the  choir, 
Rev.  Chandler  Robbins  read  the  burial-service  of  the  church,  and  then 
said,  — 

"  In  devout  recognition  of  the  providence  of  Almighty  God,  and  in 
humble  submission  to  his  holy  will,  we  come  into  this  temple  to  bury 
our  soldier  and  our  brother,  not  to  praise  him.  We  have  come  simply 
to  read  over  his  remains  the  solemn  burial-service  of  the  church  to  which 
his  family  are  attached.  But  there  is  one  feeling  in  our  hearts  which  it 
would  be  untimely  and  ungracious  for  us  not  to  utter.  There  is  one 
debt  which  we  should  be  individually  unthankful  not  to  pay.  We  can 
not  forget,  while  that  body  lies  lifeless  before  us,  that  the  last  throbs  of 
the  warm  heart  which  animated  it,  and  the  last  struggles  and  sufferings 
which  it  endured,  were  for  our  native  land.  He  knew  the  peril  which 
awaited  him  as  he  went  down  into  that  disastrous  battle,  and  solemnly 
registered  his  vow,  '  I  am  determined  not  to  spare  myself. '  Faithfully 
and  nobly  has  he  redeemed  that  pledge.  He  gave  himself  a  willing  sac 
rifice  for  the  defence  of  that  country  which  both  the  impressive  precepts 
and  illustrious  example  of  him  whose  name  he  bore  had  taught  him  to 
serve  with  unselfish  devotion,  and  to  love  better  than  life.  We  count 
him  happy  in  the  opportunity  and  the  purpose  of  his  death.  We  ac 
knowledge  to  his  honor,  and  with  thanks  to  the  Great  Appointer  of  our 
times,  that  he  died  well;  and  we  feel  with  tenderness  and  gratitude  that 
he  has  died  for  our  country  and  for  us." 

At  the  close  of  the  services  the  body  —  in  charge  of  Messrs.  Dehon, 
Butler,  and  Eaton,  of  the  Webster  Committee  —  was  taken  to  Marsh- 
field,  and  lay  that  night  in  the  library  of  the  Webster  mansion,  in 
accordance  with  Col.  Webster's  oft-expressed  wish. 

On  Sept.  10,  after  services  conducted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Alden  of  Marsh- 
Carriages  containing  family  and  relatives  of  deceased. 
Carriage  containing  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Webster  Committee. 
Twenty-three  carriages  containing  a  delegation  of  citizens  of  Marshfield. 
Officers  Massachusetts  Militia. 

Volunteer  Officers. 
Officers  of  the  regular  army  and  navy. 

Governor  Andrew  and  Staff. 

The  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  Boston. 

The  President  and  Members  of  the  Common  Council. 

Class  of  1833,  Harvard  College,  in  twelve  carriages. 

The  Chief  Marshal  and  assistants  who  officiated  at  the  funeral  of  Daniel  Webster. 

Atlantic  Band. 
Citizens  generally. 

The  following  gentlemen  acted  as  Marshals  of  Divisions :  Josiah  Bardwell,  J.  D.  Bryant, 

W.  P.  Lee,  C.  H.  Dudley,  W.  W.  Clapp,  jun.,  Henry  Saltonstall,  Edward  Motley, 

Qranville  Means,  Ives  G.  Bates,  S.  Endicott  Peabody,  and  H.  8.  Shurtleff. 


164  THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT. 

field,  the  body  was  placed  in  the  Webster  tomb,  —the  Defender  beside 
the  Expounder  of  the  Constitution. 

Many  tributes  to  our  colonel  have  been  written  and  spoken.  The  fol 
lowing,  from  the  pen  of  the  Hon.  George  S.  Hillard,  is  given.  It  ap 
pears  in  Harvard  Memorial  Biographies,  vol.  i. :  — 

.  .  .  "  Col.  Webster  showed  himself  possessed,  in  no  common  measure, 
of  the  qualities  of  a  good  commander.  His  discipline  was  firm  and  uni 
form,  but  not  alloyed  by  petulance  or  passion.  His  regiment  acquired  a 
good  name  from  the  neat  and  soldier-like  appearance  of  the  men,  the  quick 
ness  and  accuracy  of  their  drill,  and  the  orderly  arrangement  of  their  camp. 
His  men  were  warmly  attached  to  their  colonel.  They  appreciated  his 
manly  frankness,  his  simplicity  of  character,  his  kindness  of  heart,  and  the 
cheerfulness  with  which  he  bore  the  hardships  and  privations  of  the  service. 

.  .  Col.  Webster  was  long  mourned  and  affectionately  remembered  by  the 
officers  and  men  who  served  under  him." 


JAMES  LAWRENCE  BATES, 

The  second  colonel  of  the  regiment,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Wey- 
mouth,  Mass  ,  Aug.  11,  1820.  He  was  a  son  of  Elijah  and  Sally  (Tor- 
rey)  Bates.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  terms  of  advanced  studies  at 
Monson  and  Andover  Academies,  his  education  was  gained  in  the  com 
mon  schools  of  the  town.  He  commenced  life  for  himself  as  a  teacher 
in  the  schools  of  Weymouth,  and  in  this  profession  was  very  successful 
and  popular.  In  1849  he  went  to  California  in  the  ship  "  Edward 
Everett"  from  Boston.  He  resided  there  one  year,  and  then,  in  com 
pany  with  others,  purchased  the  ship,  and  sailed  for  Peru.  Returning 
to  the  East,  he  was  for  a  few  years  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  boots 
and  shoes  in  South  Weymouth.  The  outbreak  of  the  war  found  him  in 
the  leather  trade  in  Boston.  He  immediately  joined  those  who  were 
raising  Company  H,  in  Weymouth,  and  was  chosen  their  captain  April 
29,  1861.  He  became  at  once  an  excellent  drill-master,  infusing  energy 
and  thoroughness  into  his  command.  At  the  seat  of  war  he  was  ever  a 
*«  tower  of  strength  "  in  the  regiment;  his  dignified  bearing,  his  moral 
example  and  influence,  and  his  unswerving  integrity,  gaining  for  him 
the  esteem  of  all.  On  the  5th  of  August,  1802,  he  was  commissioned  by 
Gov.  Andrew  as  major  of  the  Thirty-third  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 
Sept.  9,  1862,  he  was  promoted  to  colonel  of  the  Twelfth,  on  the 
recommendation  of  Gen.  Hartsuff,  and  took  command  Sept.  21.  He 
handled  the  regiment  with  skill  and  efficiency  at  Fredericksburg,  Chan- 
cellorsville,  and  Gettysburg.  At  the  latter  battle  he  was  wounded  in 
the  neck,  but  remained  at  his  post.  In  the  fall  of  '63  he  was  called  by 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT.  165 

Gov.  Andrew  to  assume  charge  of  the  conscript  camp  on  Gallop's 
Island,  Boston  Harbor;  and  here  for  several  months  he  rendered  efficient 
service.  He  returned  to  the  regiment  in  the  spring  of  '64;  and  on  the 
3d  of  May,  when  the  army  advanced  under  Gen.  Grant,  he  assumed 
command  of  the  brigade  as  senior  colonel.  From  that  time  till  the  ex 
piration  of  his  term  of  service  he  continued  to  be  brigade  commander; 
and,  for  a  successful  reconnoissance  near  the  North  Anna  River,  he  was 
complimented  in  General  Orders.  The  brigade  obtained  information  at 
this  time  which  caused  a  change  in  the  movements  of  the  whole  army. 
He  returned  home  with  the  regiment,  and  was  mustered  out  of  service 
July  8,  1864.  He  then  became  cashier  of  the  South  Weymouth  Bank, 
which  position  he  held  two  years.  On  leaving  the  bank  he  engaged  in 
the  banking  business  in  Boston,  and  continued  in  this  pursuit  till  his 
death.  In  December,  1868,  he  was  brevetted  a  brigadier-general  by  Con 
gress  for  gallant  and  meritorious  service  in  the  war. 

He  was  a  charter  member  of  Post  58,  G.A.R.,  on  its  formation,  July 
14,  1868,  and  its  commander  till  January,  1870,  when  he  was  elected 
Commander  of  the  Department  of  Massachusetts,  G.A.R.,  which  posi 
tion  he  held  one  year;  and,  on  retiring  therefrom,  he  again  became  com 
mander  of  Post  58,  and  continued  in  office  till  his  decease. 

Gen.  Bates  died  on  the  llth  of  November,  1875.  The  disease  was 
diabetes,  caused,  no  doubt,  by  the  hardships  of  military  life ;  for,  up  to 
within  a  few  months  of  his  decease,  he  had  enjoyed  exceptionally  good 
health.  Those  who  knew  him  when  a  soldier  will  not  soon  forget  his 
robust  physique,  and  his  grand,  noble  voice;  and  all  who  saw  him  during 
his  sickness,  day  after  day  growing  weaker  and  weaker,  wondered  that 
one  so  strong  should  fail  so  fast. 

When  the  news  of  his  death  reached  the  officers  of  the  regimental 
association,  they  immediately  set  about  to  secure  the  attendance  of  as 
many  members  of  the  regiment  as  possible  at  his  funeral,  which  oc 
curred  at  South  Weymouth,  Sunday,  November  14.  A  liberal  use  was 
made  of  mail  and  telegraph,  as  well  as  the  press:  a  special  train  from 
Boston  was  secured,  and  Mainland's  Brockton  Band  engaged.  A  floral 
offering  was  sent,  and  mourning  rosettes  and  badges  were  prepared  to 
be  worn  by  the  men. 

The  floral  testimonial  was  beautiful  and  massive.  It  represented  the 
badge  of  the  second  division,  First  Army  Corps,  the  circle  being  formed 
of  choice  white  flowers;  while  in  the  centre  appeared  the  Maltese  Cross  of 
the  third  division,  Fifth  Corps,  in  blue. 

The  train  from  Boston  arrived  in  South  Weymouth  at  two  P.M.;  and 
those  upon  it  found  many  of  their  comrades,  and  Post  58,  G.A.R.,  wait 
ing  for  them  at  the  railroad  station.  The  line  was  formed,  with  seventy- 
two  members  of  the  regiment  in  the  ranks;  and,  preceded  by  the  band, 
the  march  was  taken  up  for  the  late  residence  of  the  deceased.  Many 


166  THE    WEBSTER   REGIMENT. 

other  organizations  came  on  the  same  train,  and  these  followed;  and, 
when  the  house  was  reached,  all  were  assigned  to  their  positions  in  line. 
When  all  was  ready  the  remains  were  borne  from  the  house  and  placed 
in  the  hearse,  surrounded  by  a  guard  of  honor  of  twelve  men  from  Post 
58.  The  procession  then  took  up  its  march  for  the  Congregational 
Church.1 

The  procession  was  over  a  mile  in  length ;  and,  during  the  march  to  the 
church,  the  bells  of  the  town  were  tolled,  the  bands  performed  dirges, 
and  the  scene  was  one  of  deep  solemnity.  Arriving  at  the  church,  the 
different  organizations  formed  in  mass  on  either  side  of  the  main  en 
trance  ;  and,  while  the  men  stood  with  moistened  eyes  and  uncovered 
heads,  their  brave  and  loved  commander  passed  them  in  a  last  review. 
When  all  were  inside  the  structure,  it  was  found  to  be  densely  packed. 
Mourning  emblems  were  upon  every  hand ;  and  in  front  of  the  altar, 
where  reposed  the  remains,  a  splendid  painting  of  the  general  in  uni 
form  was  hung,  the  property  of  Post  58. 

The  services  were  conducted  by  the  pastor  of  the  church,  Rev.  George 
M.  Stanton,  who  pronounced  an  eloquent  eulogy  upon  the  life  of  the  de 
ceased.  The  music  was  exceedingly  fine,  being  rendered  by  a  select 
double  quartet. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  services  all  present  took  a  last  view  of  the 
face  of  the  dead ;  and  then  the  line  was  re-formed,  and  the  procession 
moved  to  the  cemetery.  Rain  was  now  descending  heavily,  as  if  the 
heavens,  too,  wished  to  offer  a  tribute  to  the  sad  occasion.  Arriving  at 
the  burial-place,  the  various  organizations  formed  around  the  open  grave 
in  a  solid  square;  and,  after  prayer,  Department  Commander  Merrill,  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  delivered  a  short  but  eloquent  eulogy 

1  Martland's  Brockton  Band,  William  J.  Martland  leader,  twenty-three  pieces. 
Twelfth  (Webster)  Regiment  Association,  Lieut.-Col.  B.  F.  Cook  commanding,  seventy. 

two  men. 

Hearse. 

Gen.  Reynolds  Post  58,  G.A.R.,  of  Weymouth,  two  hundred  men. 

Gen.  Lander  Post  5,  G.A.R.,  of  Lynn. 

Charles  Ward  Post  62,  G.A.R.,  of  Newton. 

Paul  Revere  Post  88,  G.A.R.,  of  Quincy. 

Charles  Russell  Lowell  Post  7,  G.A.R.,  of  Boston. 

John  A.  Andrew  Post  15,  G.A.R.,  of  Boston. 

Fletcher  Webster  Post  13,  G.A.R.,  of  Brockton. 

Justin  Dimick  Post  124,  G.A.R.,  of  East  Bridgewater. 

Gen.  Sylvanus  Thayer  Post  87,  G.A.R.,  of  Braintree. 

Hartsuff  Post  74,  G.A.R.,  of  Kockland. 

McPhereon  Post  73,  G.A.R.,  of  Abington. 

E.  Humphrey  Post  104,  G.A.R.,  of  Hingham. 

Gen.  James  L.  Bates  Post  118,  G.A.R.,  of  Swampscott. 

Department  Commander  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic, 

Major  George  S.  Merrill,  and  staff. 

Members  of  the  Loyal  Legion  of  the  United  States. 

Citizens  of  South  Weymouth,  on  foot  and  in  carriages. 


THE    WEBSTER  REGIMENT.  167 

upon  the  general's  military  services.  Then  the  remains  were  lowered 
into  the  grave,  and  a  salute  was  fired  by  a  detachment  from  Post  58 
under  command  of  Capt.  Charles  W.  Hastings,  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment. 
And  now,  as  the  shades  of  evening  began  to  gather,  and  the  deep  black 
clouds  overhung  the  scene,  with  the  raindrops  falling  thick  and  fast,  a 
farewell  was  taken  of  our  dear  comrade  till  we  all  meet,  nevermore  to  be 
separated,  in  the  brighter  land  beyond. 

In  the  cars  on  the  way  back  to  Boston  the  men  were  called  together 
by  the  president  of  the  association,  Lieut. -Col.  Cook,  and  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  draught  resolutions  expressive  of  respect  and  esteem 
for  the  deceased.  Subsequently  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions 
were  prepared,  and,  after  having  been  engrossed  and  framed,  were 
forwarded  to  the  family  of  the  deceased:  — 

Whereas,  Our  beloved  colonel,  James  Lawrence  Bates,  having  accom 
plished  the  high  purposes  of  his  life,  is  now  mustered  out  of  service  here, 
and  has  responded  to  roll-call  in  the  ranks  of  our  comrades  over  the  border; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we,  his  surviving  comrades,  former  soldiers  of  the  Twelfth 
Eegiment  of  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  sharing  deeply  in  the  sorrow  which 
pervades  many  hearts  at  the  loss  which  the  country  has  sustained  in  the 
death  of  this  loyal  citizen  and  gallant  defender  of  our  liberties,  bear  un 
qualified  testimony  to  his  bravery  in  battle;  to  his  rare  skill  and  ability  in 
command  of  the  regiment,  and  for  a  long  time,  in  the  most  critical  period 
of  the  war,  of  a  brigade;  to  his  decision  of  character  and  great  executive 
ability;  to  his  personal  dignity  and  worth;  to  his  kindness  of  heart,  his 
affable  manners,  and  his  consistent  devotion  to  truth,  virtue,  and  temper 
ance. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  placed  upon  the  records  of  this  Asso 
ciation,  and  that  a  copy  be  forwarded  to  the  family  of  the  deceased,  to 
whom  we  offer  our  sincere  sympathy  and  condolence. 


TO 


DUE 


SEP  2  6 


VC  51149 


GENERAL  LIBRARY  -  U.C.  BERKELEY 


BODDflLblSD 


M123186 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


